Advocate Arora demands ED probe into ‘benami’ investment in mines contracts
Chandigarh, May 25, 2017: on The basis of a news report appearing in a section of the media, advocate HC Arora on Thursday approached Enforcement Directorate (ED) for investigation into alleged mining scam involving ‘benami’ investment by Punjab cabinet minister Rana Gurjit Singh.
Arora wrote to ED (Administration) citing the news report indicating investment of huge ‘benami’ amounts suspected to be ‘hawala’ money for getting gravel contracts through open auction. “It attracts action under The Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Amendment Act, 2016,” said Arora.
Reportedly, Amit Bahadur, a cook in the office Rana Sugars bagged an expensive contract of Rs 26.51 crore for the mines in Nawanshahr district during the recent re-auction.
According to Arora, Punjab’s Power Minister Rana Gurjit and his wife are the majority share holders in the company Rana Sugars.
Another employee of the company Kulwinder Pal Singh too has bagged contract of Rs 9.21 crore for the quarry at Mehadipur. The report said he is working as Deputy General Manager in Rana’s company and deals with government departments.
Two other employees of the company-Gurinder Singh and an unnamed one-were declared successful bidders of contracts of Rs 4.11 crore and Rs 10.58 crore respectively for the mines at villages Rampur Kalan and Bairsal.