CBI still awaiting order to probe Adarsh scam
11 Nov 2010
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is gearing up to investigate the Adarsh housing society scam, though it is yet to receive a formal request from the defence ministry seeking such a probe.
Defence minister A K Antony had on Tuesday as well as Wednesday announced a CBI probe into the Mumbai housing society scam. However, according to a CBI spokesperson in Delhi, the agency was yet to receive a formal request from the defence ministry.
The scam involving irregularities in the allotment of apartments in the south Mumbai housing society has dragged out names of several politicians as well as senior army officials. While Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan was asked to resign over his alleged role, former army chiefs Deepak Kapoor and N C Vij too are facing charges.
Even though it is still awaiting the formal request, the CBI has begun in-housing probe into the scam since it surfaced late last month. Official sources have revealed that CBI has already sought documents relating to the society from various departments of the government, Indian Navy and Army and the society.
"While we had received over 4,000 page documents from the city collector's office, the society members have sent us a letter requesting more time to submit the documents. We have also received documents from other departments," a senior CBI official said.
"Before registering a case, we need to gather information," the official added, informing that right now the agency is verifying all the information.
D-G for defence estates
Meanwhile, defence minister Antony on Wednesday said the government had appointed a new director-general of defence estates, tasking the person with cleaning up the organisation. He said the CBI probe into the Adarsh Housing Society issue came on the recommendation of the chief of the army staff, General V K Singh.