CHANDIGARH: A high-level team of the Punjab Vigilance Bureau on Monday questioned the former Chief Minister Amarinder Singh in connection with a multi-crore scandal related to granting of "illegal" concessions in the construction of the controversial Ludhiana City Centre.

Capt. Singh, who was summoned to the Circuit House in the historic Baradari Gardens in Patiala, was subjected to questioning by a team led by Superintendent of Police Kanwarjeet Singh Sandhu for nearly seven and half hours.

Congress supporters, including MLAs, waited at Capt. Singh's residence, the Moti Bagh Palace.

"Officers courteous"

Capt Singh, who was accompanied by his two advocates, told waiting reporters that he tried to satisfy the investigating team to the best of his abilities. "But if they are not satisfied, I cannot help it." He said the officers were courteous and assured to co-operate with the probe. Capt. Singh demanded that to ensure justice, the investigation be handed over to Central agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate, the Income Tax Department and the Central Bureau of Investigation. He alleged that the present investigation by the Vigilance Bureau was based on evidence fabricated at the instance of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, who had "unleashed political vendetta" against him and other leaders. He charged that a close family associate, Chetan Gupta, who had been arrested earlier, was subjected to torture to extract a dubious confession.

But, Mr. Sandhu said Capt. Singh did not co-operate. He said the former Chief Minister preferred to give vague answers and did not bring documents related to the pieces of property held by him.

Seeks time

Mr. Sandhu said Capt. Singh had sought 10 days time to provide the copies of the documents. After the scrutiny of these documents, if required, the former Chief Minister might be put to another round of questioning.

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