ACB orders probe into onion sale, Kejriwal govt cries foul

New Delhi, Sep 23: The Anti Corruption Branch (ACB) headed by LG-appointed M K Meena on Wednesday ordered an inquiry into alleged irregularities in procurement and sale of onions by the Delhi Government, which accused him of acting at the Centre's behest and maintained that there was no wrongdoing.

The move by Meena, whose appointment had been opposed by the Arvind Kejriwal government, comes two days after an RTI activist and BJP leader, Vivek Garg, filed a complaint with the anti-graft body seeking a probe into it.

ACB sources said a separate team has been formed and the probe has already begun. "Initially, a five-member team has been formed but more personnel may be added as and when needed," they said.

Reacting strongly, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said Delhi government was ready for any investigation into procurement of onions but wondered why the Centre was not forthcoming in ensuring a fair probe into the CNG fitness scam.

"We have today heard that Modi ji has initiated an ACB probe into it because ACB is presently working under him. ACB chief M K Meena openly says that he has directions from the PMO and even central government also says that ACB is theirs. ACB is probing the alleged onion scam at the behest of Modi government and we are ready for any type of probe," said Sisodia.

The Deputy Chief Minister said all the files related to purchase of onions have been placed before the "country and the media".

"We will also send all these files to PMO, but we also want Modiji to ask the Lt Governor to also send all files related to Rs 100-crore CNG fitness scam to our Commission of Inquiry. They (LG) are running away from the probe," Sisodia said.

The Delhi government on Sunday had rubbished reports of any irregularities in procurement and sale of onions at subsidised rates. Sisodia, while dismissing the allegations, had even indicated that the government may take action against those trying to "defame" it.

The government had claimed that onions were procured from a SFAC (Small Farmers, Agri Business Consortium), which is a central-government agency at Rs 32.86 per kg.

"Delhi government through its Fair Price Shops (FPSs) tried to make onions available to people at Rs 30, even though onions were being sold through Centre's outlets at Rs 38-40. Safal was selling onions at Rs 38-40 while DMS was selling at Rs 35," Sisodia said.

PTI