Calcutta High Court orders CAG probe into alleged corruption in Amphan relief distribution

Source:-https://www.timesnownews.com

Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court has ordered an inquiry into the Amphan cyclone relief corruption case today while listening to a batch of Public Interest Litigations. The matter being heard by the Chief Justice bench has directed the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) to probe allegations of corruption in the relief distribution. The report for which must be submitted within 3 months.

The PILs allege that the real victims of the cyclone did not get the relief money and that the money instead went to the pockets of those close to the ruling party. The order copy accessed by TIMES NOW read, “It is also pointed out on behalf of the petitioners that the list of Amphan relief beneficiaries shown on the website of the state government does not reflect the true state of affairs. Obviously, this is also a matter which falls within the domain of consideration of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.”

The Calcutta High Court has paved the way for a thorough & impartial investigation by the CAG which needs to check whether the victims have received the relief and if not, why they have not received it? Through whom the relief has been distributed? Who is responsible if the actual recipients have not received relief? The CAG has been asked to investigate all these issues and submit a report within 3 months.

“We further clarify that the directions issued herein above and the disposal of these writ petitions will not stand in the way of the state government or any other authority to carry on with the distribution of Amphan relief,” added the Calcutta High Court.

The state government during the hearing of the case said that the government’s goal was to extend a helping hand to each of the victims. The Calcutta High Court has also asked the state government to file an affidavit in the case.