Oppn launches scathing attack

As the Haryana government’s decision to transfer an IAS officer investigating the land deals of Robert Vadra incurred the Opposition’s wrath, the Congress, defending the Bhoopinder Singh Hooda government, said transferring bureaucrats was the prerogative of state governments.

“It is the prerogative of the state government to transfer or allot postings,” said Congress general secretary in-charge of Haryana B K Hariprasad. He dismissed allegations that the transfer was “victimisation of the officer” for taking action in the matter.

Ashok Khemka, a 1991 batch IAS officer who was posted as the director-general of land consolidation and land records-cum-inspector general of registration, was transferred by the Hooda government on October 11.

The BJP described the transfer as “victimisation of the officer.” “We condemn shunting out the official within hours after he initiated a probe into the land dealings of Vadra and ordered cancellation of mutation of some of the dealings. This transfer is victimisation and exposes the Emergency mindset of the Congress,” BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar said. Reiterating BJP’s demand of an impartial investigation into various business deals of Vadra, Javadekar alleged that those who question the dynasty are facing the music.

“We want the matter to be probed as there are charges of a quid pro quo and undue benefits. Had it been a private deal, we would not have made this demand,” Javadekar said, adding that Khemka’s transfer showed that “the one who questions the dynasty will not be spared. If you do so you will suffer, you will be punished.”

Anti-graft campaigner Arvind Kejriwal also criticised the Haryana chief minister for transferring Khemka.

“The Haryana chief minister ought to answer to the country why was Khemka transferred.

What is the transfer policy for IAS officers in Haryana? Under that policy, can an officer be transferred merely because he was investigating Vadra?” Kejriwal questioned. He said Khemka had “upfronted a deal” that was to happen between Vadra and DLF and ordered its cancellation.