Gurgaon: A local court in Haryana’s Gurgaon has ordered the registration of an FIR against former minister Sukhbir Kataria and others in connection with an alleged ₹20 lakh government grant scam. In its order, the court observed that the allegations appear serious at first glance and indicate possible misuse of public funds as well as abuse of official position, warranting a thorough investigation.
Court Drops the Hammer
The case stems from a petition filed by a local resident, Om Parkash, who alleged that between 2014 and 2019, while holding ministerial office, Sukhbir Kataria used his influence to secure a ₹20 lakh government grant for a female acquaintance. The grant was meant for housing construction and repair for economically weaker sections, but according to the complaint, it was allotted to a person who did not meet the eligibility criteria.
The petitioner further alleged that the beneficiary was shown as a resident of a property that the former minister himself allegedly owned. It was claimed that forged documents were used to secure public funds for personal and political gain. The complaint also suggested that such beneficiaries may have been used to secure electoral advantage, including by creating “fake votes.”
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Public Money, Private Benefit?
Alleging inaction and delay by the authorities, the petitioner approached the court seeking intervention. During the hearing, the court noted that the police had failed to act with due seriousness and had not conducted an independent and impartial inquiry. It emphasized that in such matters, an objective investigation at an early stage is essential to prevent tampering with evidence.
In its order, the Chief Judicial Magistrate observed that the material on record and the facts presented make the allegations appear “credible in nature.” The court stated that the case prima facie involves elements of criminal breach of trust, cheating, and corruption. Accordingly, it directed the Station House Officer of New Colony police station to register a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code—403, 405, 409, and 420—along with provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The police, in their earlier action taken report, had acknowledged that the grant was issued at the request of the former minister. However, they had stated that verification of the beneficiary’s eligibility and residential details would require confirmation from the concerned department and the deputy commissioner’s office. The court rejected this reasoning, stating that the police were expected to carry out an independent probe rather than rely solely on administrative verification.
Police Pulled Up for Delay
The court also underlined that delays or superficial inquiries in such cases can undermine the justice process. It stressed the need for a comprehensive investigation to ascertain whether public funds were indeed misused and to identify all individuals involved in the alleged wrongdoing.
It has also emerged that in a related instance, another court had earlier directed the registration of an FIR on similar allegations, including the names of the former minister’s family members. At that time, the police had filed a report giving a clean chit, which was later set aside by the court, leading to a fresh investigation.
Fresh Trouble for Former Minister
The former minister has previously faced allegations of encroachment on government land and of fake voter registration, further heightening the case’s sensitivity. Following the latest court order, investigative agencies are now under increased pressure to ensure a fair and transparent probe.
The development has once again raised serious questions about the transparency and accountability of government grant distribution systems. Experts believe that if the allegations are proven, it could expose significant loopholes in administrative mechanisms and highlight the need for stronger oversight. For now, registering the FIR and the subsequent investigation are expected to bring more clarity to the case.
