Vigilance Establishment receives complaint over Arya’s alleged Rs 210 crore assets
PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE /Dehradun
A complaint seeking an impartial investigation into Uttarakhand cabinet minister Rekha Arya’s alleged assets worth Rs 210 crore was submitted to the Vigilance Establishment, following allegations made by her husband, Giridhari Lal Sahu.
Advocate Pankaj Singh Kshetri, filed the complaint a day after Sahu released a video on October 16, alleging that Arya had acquired illegal assets worth around Rs 210 crore. Kshetri said that allegations involving assets of such a large amount against a public representative require a fair investigation. He also clarified that claims made in a video do not establish wrongdoing and must be verified through documents and financial records.
The complaint seeks an investigation into the minister’s movable and immovable properties, sources of income, investments, bank accounts, fixed deposits, shares and financial interests.
Kshetri referred to Sections 13(1)(b) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. He said that an FIR should be registered if the investigation reveals sufficient grounds for an offence.
He also called for the inquiry to be conducted by a competent officer without undue pressure or bias. He said that the individuals concerned should be given a fair opportunity to present their side. “This matter is not about damaging anyone’s political reputation, but about ensuring transparency and accountability in public life,” Kshetri said. He urged the Vigilance Establishment to examine the video and other available evidence and take action in accordance with the law.
