Court directs MP Lokayukt to probe purchase by CM's wife

Bhopal, Nov 14 (UNI) A local court today directed the Madhya Pradesh Lokayukt to initiate an inquiry into the ''purchase'' of four dumpers in the name of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's wife Sadhana Singh.

While hearing a plea by Congress leader Ramesh K Sahu, Special Judge R K Bhave directed the Lokayukt Special Police Establishment's Superintendent to complete the probe in a month and submit a report by December 14.

The Chief Minister, his wife, JP Associates Director Sunny Gaud, the Principal Secretary (Mines) and Regional Transport Officer (RTO) were made respondents.

The petitioner urged the court to register a case under sections 420, 467, 471 and 120(b) of the Indian Penal Code besides the Prevention of Corruption Act against the respondents.

The petitioner said that Ms Singh purchased the dumpers and hired them out to the JP Cement's facility at Rewa. Ms Singh allegedly provided a Rewa address while registerng the vehicles with the RTO.

Earlier, the Chief Minister defended his wife's acquiring the vehicles as a means of livelihood.

Meanwhile, Congress General Secretary and former chief minister Digvijay Singh told the media here today that Mr Chouhan should tender his resignation on moral grounds in view of the court directive.

UNI