Warrant against former IAS officer

Bhopal, Apr 25 (UNI) A local court today issued bailable warrant of Rs 1000 against former IAS officer Mukesh Kakkar as he was not present while filing of a supplementary chargesheet by the Lokayukta police for ''irregularities'' in the purchase of lanterns by the Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikas Nigam in 1995-96.

Additional District and Sessions Judge S K Raghuvanshi, who issued the warrant after hearing the defence and prosecution, fixed the next hearing on May 5.

A former Managing Director of the Nigam, Mukesh Kakkar had to be present in the court while filing of the challan against him. His counsel Ajay Gupta said Kakkar was ill, but submitted no medical certificate. Prosecution counsel R S Raghuvanshi opposed the contention.

The Lokayukta police had earlier filed a charge-sheet against few officers of the Nigam, but Kakkar was not then made an accused.

Kakkar, while on deputation to the Centre, had sought voluntary retirement and it was accepted on April 14, 2007. Since he had already retired, the prosecution had not sought permission for his prosecution.

UNI