Spl court directs MP Lokayukt to probe purchase by CM's wife

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

While hearing a plea by Hoshangabad district's Itarsi-resident 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.

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.

Mr Sahu 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 registering the vehicles with the RTO.

The petitioner said that a written complaint was made to the superintendent on October 29, 2007 but no investigation was being conducted. Mr Sahu produced a photocopy of the complaint.

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 mediapersons here today that Mr Chouhan should tender his resignation on moral grounds in view of the court directive.

UNI