New Delhi:
Ashok Khemka, a senior bureaucrat in Haryana's land registration department, was transferred three days after he ordered an inquiry into all the land deals between businessman Robert Vadra, who is the son-in-law of Congress president Sonia Gandhi, and realty giant DLF.
Here are some of the reactions on this story:
Ashok KhemkaI have had 40 transfers in 21 years. It is very demoralising and dehumanising. If these problems are brought in sunshine, probably my decisions would appear to be normal and correct. But what happens is, inside, you are guided and directed that 'behave differently'. If you do take an action, which you call strong but I would call as correct, then action is taken against you. It's very demoralizing and dehumanising and you feel ashamed of yourself...you think 'look, there must be something wrong with you that these things are happening'. You get words like 'you don't get along well with others', 'there are shades of grey in life' etc. These kinds of euphemism are created to deviate you from the correct path.
Arvind KejriwalAshok Khemka has been transferred by the Haryana government because he was probing Robert Vadra's land deals. We strongly criticise that. Haryana Chief Minister ought to answer to the country. He has to tell us why Khemka has been transferred. What is the transfer policy for IAS officers in Haryana? Under that policy, can an officer be transferred merely because he was investigating (Robert) Vadra?
Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Haryana Chief Minister:Transfer is not a punishment. The Chief Secretary will investigate Vadra-DLF deal. As far as Haryana government is concerned, it is transparent. We have not favored anyone.
BK Hariprasad, Congress' in charge of Haryana:
Why has this official been transferred so many times. I am not questioning the integrity of the IAS officer. Transfer is a prerogative of the state government. The Chief Secretary would be able to answer why he was transferred.
Om Prakash Chautala, INLD chief:
Ashok Khemka is a brave officer. He has been unearthing scams of this government. And they have been transferring him. This government has no powers left other than transferring officers. We cannot expect a free and fair probe by them. Robert Vadra has been given land not in just one district in Haryana. He has land in every district.
Anil Vij, BJP leader from Haryana: The BJP will launch a campaign in the state. Ashok Khemka should be reinstated. There are demands that the Hooda government should be sacked.
Prakash Javadekar, BJP spokesperson:
The government is not probing the deal or undue benefits. BJP demands a proper probe. There is so much evidence and suggestions of quid pro quo. So we demand this needs to be investigated.
Anupam Gupta, senior advocate, Punjab and Haryana High Court:
If there is one officer in the state of Haryana whose integrity and rectitude I can vouch for...it is Mr Ashok Khemka...He's one of the most outstanding and honest officer of the state of Haryana and that is how I assess all his actions. He has shared this with me and I want to say this through your channel. Those who think that officers like Mr Khemka will be demoralised by such petty intimidation will be in for a huge surprise.
(With Inputs from PTI)