'CBI probes being used for tarnishing image of IAS officers'

Hyderabad, Feb 4: Alleging that only IAS officers are being targetted, while the ministers concerned are being spared by the CBI in different cases in Andhra Pradesh, the IAS Officers Association (AP Branch) tonight hinted at moving courts "if greater injustice is done."

The Association has also alleged that the manner, in which, the CBI inquiry was being conducted was 'unfortunate' as it was not according to the rules and procedures mentioned as per the CBI Criminal Manual and the Government Business Rules.

"We believe in and respect the rule of law. The law will take its course. We are confident that the legal system will address these issues. At appropriate stage...if anything is required to be done...certainly we will try to move the courts if greater injustice is done," AP IAS Officers' Association chairman S Bhale Rao told reporters.

He was addressing a press conference after completion of the emergency general body meeting of the Association here, in which, about 100 serving and retired IAS officers attended. Referring to the CBI investigations and arrest of two senior IAS officers (Y Srilakshmi in OMC illegal mining case and B P Acharya in Emaar scam) in the state, Rao said "We expressed concern at the way investigation is being done without following the established procedures and certain things were being arrived at without proper basis."

He said the CBI investigation was being used to tarnish the image of IAS officers, who have maintained high standards and worked with efficiency and accountability. "We are not a trade union and we don't believe in adopting these kinds of methods, as we are always with the administration.

We only expressed our concern to the Chief Minister (N Kiran Kumar Reddy) and are hopeful the government will respond to our demands," he added. Rao further appealed to the media "not to indulge in sensationalism while reporting with regard to CBI probe on IAS officers."

PTI