Ex-Speaker Kahlon acquitted in JCB scam
Friday, 20/12/2013
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20131220/punjab.htm#2
Mohali : Nirmal Singh Kahlon, former Speaker, Punjab Vidhan Sabha, and five others were today acquitted by a local court in a case pertaining to alleged irregularities in the purchase of JCBs.
The court of Additional District and Sessions Judge Dilbagh Singh Johal acquitted Kahlon, JS Kesar, former Principal Secretary, Panchayats; Baldev Singh, the then chief engineer; Anil Bhatia, deputy general manager (sales), JCB; Anil Sood and Kamaljit Singh.
The Rural Development Department had purchased 103 JCB machines for Rs 14 crore in 2002. The machines were allegedly bought at a much higher price. A case was registered under Sections 13 (1) D read with Section 13 (2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, besides Sections 420 and 120-B of the IPC. The prosecution had presented 74 witnesses while the defence counsel 12.
After the verdict, Kahlon alleged that he had been a victim of political vendetta. He said he had full faith in the judiciary. Earlier in 2011, the former Speaker was acquitted in a scam involving the recruitment of 909 panchayat secretaries.
About the case
The Rural Development Dept purchased 103 JCB machines in 2002
The machines were bought at a ‘higher price’, a case was registered
Kahlon was earlier acquitted in a scam involving recruitment of 909 panchayat secretaries
