NEW DELHI, Dec 29: Former Solicitor General Gopal Subramanium, tasked by the AAP government with probing alleged irregularities in DDCA, has written to National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, seeking dossiers of five officers each from IB, CBI and the Delhi Police to assist him in investigations.
Subramanium, who has accepted the offer to head the inquiry panel formed by the city government in this regard, also wrote to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal requesting him to send the names of five “outstanding” investigative officers from the Anti-Corruption Branch with their dossiers.
Subramanium told Kejriwal that he has written to Doval as the Central government “itself called upon the Delhi government” to get an investigation done into alleged irregularities in the Delhi and District Cricket Association
“Obviously, this means that the Central government would render all possible assistance in this regard,” the top lawyer wrote. In his letter to Doval, Subramanium said that “some of the disclosures may also pertain to national security”.
“…It is important that I must ask you to step in and offer suitably qualified officers who will also be morally endowed to assist the Commission,” he wrote.
From Doval, Subramanium sought shortlisted dossiers of five of the “best officers of the IB, who should be of the level of joint director and below”, five officers from the CBI and five officers of the Delhi Police, with their records.
“I would leave it to your discretion to choose any officers(s) from any of the other state cadres, you believe to be competent,” he added.
The noted lawyer told a TV channel that his request to Doval is part of the enquiry procedure which calls for appropriate “logistical infrastructure” before beginning the probe.
“I don’t want in hindsight to feel that he (Doval) was not sufficiently briefed as he is a person who understands the ramifications correctly and that is why I wrote to him. I cannot judge by my personal imagination who can be a competent person to investigate,” he said.
Asked what will be his move if the enquiry panel is declared null and void by the Centre, Subramanium said, “Prima facie all the procedures have been followed in institution of the enquiry.”
“But still if something happens or somebody overturns it, I cannot refuse. I am not here to fight or adjudge the defamation of the Constitution. I can proceed on basis of what has been granted to me and ensure that a transparent enquiry is held,” he said.
Subramanium said he wants to pick someone “who is competent enough”. This is part of any enquiry procedure that one needs to have have logistical infrastructure in place at the beginning of the probe, he added.
“The reason to seek his (Doval’s) help is also his ability to judge if there is any issue relating to the security which I am very particular about in the matter as anything may come up during the investigation,” he added.
Yesterday, the former Solicitor General had strongly pitched for live telecast of the proceedings to make it transparent.
Formally accepting to head the Commission, Subramanium had said that its formation was in tune with provisions in the Constitution, notwithstanding Lt Governor Najeeb Jung’s reservations over it.
The Delhi Cabinet, on December 21, approved setting up of the one-member Commission of Inquiry under Subramanium to probe alleged irregularities in DDCA.
The cricket body was headed by Union Finance Minister Jaitley for around 13 years till 2013. (PTI)
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