Probe ordered against J

Srinagar, Oct 27 (UNI) The Accountability Commission in Jammu and Kashmir has ordered an inquiry into the allegations of corruption, nepotism and abuse of official position against Health Minister Mangat Ram Sharma as the chairman of Khadi and Village Industries Board (KVIB), an official statement said today.

It was alleged that Mr Sharma, a former Deputy Chief Minister and a senior Congress leader, made illegal and backdoor appointments in abject contravention of rules and directions of the Supreme Court.

It stated that after considering the statement of defence filed by Mr Sharma and KVIB secretary R C Sharma and Deputy Director Estates, Jammu, J P Singh, the Commission came to the conclusion that a regular inquiry was justified in order to ascertain the involvement of the Minister and other public functionaries.

The statement said the Commission also allowed a two-week time to the respondents, including Mr Sharma, to file their supplementary affidavits in support of their defence and further one week to the complaint to file the rejoinder.

The matter has been fixed for consideration on November 21.

UNI