Cong MLA demands indicted Vigilance Director's suspension

Chandigarh, Jul 6 (UNI) Punjab Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira today demanded the immediate suspension of state Vigilance Bureau Director Sumedh Saini following the registration of a case of kidnapping, abduction, illegal confinement and torture with intention to murder against him.

The case was registered a few days ago on the directions of the Double Bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court by the CBI in a 1991 case pertaining to the disappearnce of Balwant Singh Multani and Balwant Singh Bhullar, father of jailed Khalistan Libertaion Force (KLF) terrorist Davinderpal singh Bullar.

In a letter addressed to Governor S F Rodrigues and released to the media here, Mr Khaira said as the FIR containing serious charges has been registered, Mr Saini should be placed under suspension. ''It is highly impossible for a free and fair investigation in the case till Mr Saini continues to hold the present designated office, therefore in all fairness and in accordance with constitutional provisions, the said officer be placed under immediate suspension'', the letter stated.

The letter also pointed out that the said officer had already been chargesheeted by a special trial court of the CBI, Delhi under similar charges of kidnapping, abduction and possible elimination in the infamous Saini Motors Case of Ludhiana.

Refering to Mr Saini as a blue eyed boy of Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal, the letter alleged that the Vigilance Bureau was being used as a tool by the Chief Minister to settle scores against his political opponents. The issue of political vendetta at the hands of the Vigilance Bureau has been raised many times by none less than former Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, the letter pointed out.

''Since it is highly unlikely for Mr Badal to suspend the said officer, I urge you in your capacity as the Constitutional Head of the State to direct the government to act in accordance with the laid down law'', the letter added.

UNI HS SV HT1624