A probe initiated by the Maharashtra Home Minister has reported that senior IPS Amitabh Gupta had no authority to allow DHFL promoter Wadhawan bothers to travel amid the COVID-19 lockdown. The report, prepared by Additional Chief Secretary Manoj Saunik, has been submitted to the government.
The report found that Gupta had no authority to issue letter for the Wadhawan brothers. The report, however, states that Gupta has denied any political pressure on him, as alleged by the opposition parties. The report does not find any mala fide intentions, and says that only a further probe by a proper investigation agency can establish that.
“It was found that Amitabh Gupta has admitted issuing the letter on his own. He has also said that he was not under pressure from anyone. The report will now be sent to the chief minister for further action,” Deshmukh said on Sunday.
Gupta, who was principal secretary (special) in the state home department, was sent on leave on April 10, after his letter created a furore.
According to sources, Gupta has contended that he had issued the letter on humanitarian grounds.
Police had detained 23 people, including DHFL promoters Kapil and Dheeraj Wadhwan, for violating the nationwide lockdown. These brothers are accused in DHFL scam, and the CBI had issued non bail able warrants against them.
