Substandard items given in Mansa: No headway in probe ordered by Harsimrat

The probe into the distribution of substandard items in sangat darshan, ordered by union food processing minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal seems to be gaining no headway as the committee members denied of receiving any such orders.

The Bathinda MP had distributed water tanks to the voters of 21 villages in Mansa last month. As the minister received complaints regarding the quality of items, she ordered the deputy commissioner to initiate probe in the matter. It has been alleged that water tanks were purchased at exorbitant price.

As per the official records, the deputy commissioner formed a three-member committee consisting general manager of department of industries and commerce, executive engineers (XEN) of public health and panchayati raj. The deputy commissioner had sent letter on July 22 to the concerned committee members.

“I have not checked the postal department for the last 4-5 days as I was on leave. I have an additional charge for Mansa but I am not aware about this committee and the probe,” said XEN panchayati raj, Sukhpal Singh.

“I have not been assigned to probe into this incident, though I have additional charge of Mansa district,” said GM DIC (general manager, department of industries & commerce) Bhola Singh Brar.

Sukhbir’s OSD under scanner for the purchase of items

Deputy chief minister Sukhbir Badal’s officer special on duty (OSD) Harendra Sra is the additional deputy commissioner (development) of Mansa under whom the entire purchase of water tanks, distributed by Harsimrat Kaur Badal was held in July. This is the first occasion where a probe has been ordered against Sra who is considered very close to Sukhbir Badal and Harsimrat Kaur Badal. Many officials feel that the probe is just a sham.

“The committee members have not met once to initiate the probe. Sra is a powerful officer who will have his say,” said a senior officer from Mansa.

Sra has categorically denied of any wrongdoing.

“I have all the valid documents to prove that none of the water tanks are of sub standard quality,” said Sra.