Lookout notice of 2 former Punjab ministers issued: 3 retired IAS officers also trapped; action in irrigation scam; permission was obtained from the government

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau has started a probe into the irrigation scam that took place during the Akali-BJP coalition government. As part of this process, Vigilance has issued lookout notices against two former ministers Janmeja Singh Sekhon and Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, besides retired IAS officers Sarvesh Kaushal, KBS Sidhu and Kahan Singh Pannu.

The Punjab government had given Vigilance permission to investigate the matter two days ago. Contractor Gurinder Singh, the main accused in this case, had given an affidavit saying that three former IAS officers, two former ministers and their private secretary are also involved in the irrigation scam. These statements were recorded by the Vigilance Bureau in August 2017.

Vigilance officials say that the contractors named in the scam will be called again for questioning. The former officers and leaders whose names will come up in their interrogation will also be included in the investigation. Vigilance had sought permission for action under Section 17A of the Corruption Act.