Wadhawans' lockdown jaunt: Cong's Sanjay Nirupam primarily suspects hand of MVA leaders

On Friday, Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam called for an impartial probe into Wadhawans' visit to Mahabaleshwar in violation of COVID-19 lockdown guidelines. Claiming that ED had offered a long rope to DHFL promoters Dheeraj and Kapil Wadhawan, he observed that someone within system was helping m evade legal proceedings. reafter, Nirupam clarified that he mainly suspected ruling politicians in Maharashtra to have influenced Principal Secretary (Home) Amitabh Gupta in allowing Wadhawans to travel. At same time, he added that a thorough investigation was necessary owing to close contact between Wadhawans and some BJP leaders. Congress is a part of Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra. 

Read: Republic TV Accesses First Pictures Of Wadhawans During Mahabaleshwar Lockdown Jaunt

Read: Devendra Fadnavis Alleges Role Of 'political Bosses' In Allowing Wadhawans' Lockdown Jaunt

Wadhawans apprehended in Mahabaleshwar

DHFL promoters are being probed in connection with DHFL and Yes Bank cases. y had skipped summons of  Enforcement Directorate on March 17 citing COVID-19 pandemic. As per sources, Wadhawans have been travelling to or cities since n. y reportedly proceeded for Mahabaleshwar after owner of ir rented property in Khandala asked m to leave. local informants of central investigative ncies learnt about presence of Wadhawans in Mahabaleshwar after ir neighbours raised an alarm about movement in locality despite lockdown.

Subsequently, 23 members of Wadhawan family were detained and sent to a quarantine centre. y have been booked under sections 188, 269 and 270 of Indian Penal Code besides relevant sections of Disaster Manment Act and COVID-19 regulations. Both CBI and ED have requested authorities to t allow  DHFL promoters to leave after completion of quarantine period as re were n-bailable warrants pending against m.

Read: 'Officer Only Scapegoat': BJP Seeks Maha HM's Resignation Over Wadhawans Lockdown Jaunt

Additional Chief Secretary Maj Saunik to probe role of bureaucrat

In a surprising turn of events, it emerged that Wadhwans were able to reach Mahabaleshwar on producing a letter written by Principal Secretary (Home) Amitabh Gupta. letter stated that Wadhawans were his family friends and travelling for a 'medical emergency'. Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh confirmed that Gupta had been sent on compulsory leave pending outcome of inquiry. Additional Chief Secretary Maj Saunik will investigate bureaucrat's role in allowing Wadhawans to travel and submit a report within 15 days' time. 

Read: Uddhav Govt Sends Own Principal Secy On Leave For Letting Wadhawans' Lockdown Violation