Panchkula plot reallotment case: CBI files charge sheet against ex-Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda

The CBI has today filed a Charge Sheet U/s 120-B of IPC, 420 of IPC and section 13 (2) r/w 13 (1) (d) of PC Act in the Court of Special Judge, CBI cases, Panchkula(Haryana) against Sh. Bhupinder Singh Hooda, the then Chairman, HUDA(then CM), Haryana; Sh. Motilal Vora, then Chairman, M/s Associated Journals Ltd. and M/s Associated Journals Ltd in a case relating to an alleged re-allotment of institutional plot No.C-17, Sector-6, Panchkula to M/s. AJL.

Further investigation is continuing

So far:

The CBI had alleged that AJL was allotted a plot in Panchkula in 1982 on which no construction took place till 1992. HUDA then took back the possession of the plot.

It was alleged that the then chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, also the then chairman of HUDA, re-allotted the same plot measuring 3,500 square metre at original rates plus interest in 2005 by allegedly violating the norms.

It is further alleged that Hooda, in violation of the rules and by misusing his official position, re-allocated land to the New Delhi-based Journals company at original rates and ordered construction on the plot within six months, seeking completion of the same within two years. This led to an alleged loss of Rs 62 lakh (appox) to the Haryana government.

AJL is reportedly controlled by senior Congress leaders, including the Gandhi family. The group runs National Herald.

The case was registered after the Haryana government handed over the case to CBI for investigation. Earlier, the state vigilance department in the Manohar Lal Khattar government had registered a case against Hooda

The case refers to allotment of a plot, made in 2005, measuring 3360 square meters to AJL Ltd in Sector 6, Panchkula. Allegations against the former regime in Haryana are that Hooda had given prime chunk of land to AJL in violation of various norms and against the advise of department.