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Rediff.com  » News » Probe against 'Asian Hero' begins

Probe against 'Asian Hero' begins

By Anand Mohan Sahay in Patna
April 28, 2005 12:49 IST
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Bihar's vigilance department has begun probing allegations that Gautam Goswami, a 1992 batch IAS officer who was Time magazine's Young Asian Hero for his exemplary work in reaching help to flood victims in Bihar last year, former had siphoned off money meant for flood relief.

The Directorate General (vigilance) Ashish Ranjan Sinha told rediff.com on Thursday that the government is probing whether Goswami and others had diverted over Rs 170 million relief cash.

Sinha said the vigilance department has set up a six-member team led by an official of deputy inspector general rank for the probe.

Bihar government had ordered the probe three days ago. The inquiry is likely to be completed by a month.
Goswami resigned the Indian Administrative Service and joined Sahara India group last month.

Interestingly, state chief secretary K A H Subramanian disclosed that the state government had not accepted Goswami's resignation, and if needed would be called back for explaining his position and facing legal formalities.

The preliminary investigation by the Patna district administration has revealed that Lok Janshakti Party leader Santosh Kumar Jha is the key figure behind misuse of over Rs 170 million meant for flood victims.

After Jha's name figured in the case, party chief Ram Vilas Paswan suspended Jha from the party.

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Anand Mohan Sahay in Patna