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Whistleblower Ashok Khemka's deputation to Centre cleared

by IBNS 15 Jul 2014, 11:06 am

New Delhi, July 15 (IBNS): In a relief to Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Ashok Khemka, who had taken on political forces by challenging a land deal by Congress president Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra in Haryana, the Cabinet Secretary has cleared his appointment at the Centre, amid reports that he had sought central posting in a letter forwarded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office.

Khemka has been cleared of the allegations of misuse of official duties, media reports said on Tuesday.

The allegations were levelled by the previous UPA government after the whistleblower  officer had sparked off a political storm by ordering a probe into a land deal between Vadra and realty firm DLF.

After he ordered a probe into the land deal between Vadra and DLF in 2012, the senior IAS officer was transferred from the Director General Consolidation of Land Holdings and Land Records-cum-Inspector General of Registration to the Seed Development Corporation.

Khemka had alleged that he was being punished for cancelling the land deal struck in the state by Vadra.

Meanwhile reactions poured in. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Yogendra Yadav tweeted: "Welcome Ashok Khemka's deputation to the Centre. Hope this ends the victimisation of an officer who cannot be bought or pressurised."

Super cop turned social activist Kiran Bedi said: "Am happy for Ashok Kemka. He is an officer with integrity and courage. Using his services optimally means good governance for benefit of all."