Kejriwal forms Lokpal to look into charges against 3 IAC members

After repeated allegations of corruption against India Against Corruption (IAC) members, Arvind Kejriwal, today dared the government to order a probe against three IAC members — Anjali Damania, Prashant Bhushan, Mayank Gandhi – to ascertain if they are involved in irregularities in land deals.

Kejriwal said if the allegations against the IAC members are found to be true, they will be immediately expelled.

Talking to reporters, Kejriwal said that they have formed an independent Lokpal consisting of three retired judges to inquire into any charges made against key members of IAC. Justice AP Shah, Former Chief Justice of Delhi High Court, Justice BH Marlapalle, Retired Judge - Bombay High Court and Justice Jaspal Singh, Retired Judge - Delhi High Court are the three judges who will be part of the ‘internal Lokpal’.

“We will send the allegations against the IAC members to the judge. If there is any truth in the allegations against our members then they will be expelled,” Kejriwal said.

He also said, “We have from time to time requested the Government to set up an independent enquiry to investigate into the matter and give us double the punishment than prescribed if found guilty. Unfortunately, the government has been more interested in mud-slinging than setting up an independent probe.”

The three-judge panel would be inquiring into the charges against the three IAC members and give their report within 3 months.

When asked about Agriculture Minister and NCP chief Sharad Pawar, Kejriwal said that IAC did not hide evidence against him. “We are very selective because we are very responsible,” Kejriwal said. He also said that he cannot expose a minister till he has strong evidence against him. “We are taking the issues where we have proof, it is wrong to say that we hid evidence,” Kejriwal said.