Panel to probe DDCA even if struck down by Centre: Kejriwal

Striking a defiant note, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday said the Commission of Inquiry ordered by his government will probe alleged irregularities in Delhi District Cricket Association even if it is struck down by the Centre.

Kejriwal said the file pertaining to setting up of the commission has been forwarded to the PMO by the home ministry even as head of the probe panel Gopal Subramanium has written to National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, seeking a list of five officers each from the Intelligence Bureau, the Central Bureau of Investigation and Delhi police to assist him in the inquiry.

"Is it true that MHA has sent DDCA file to PM to decide whether to declare enquiry commission illegal? What will PM do -- declare it illegal or allow enquiry? Though it will have no impact on ongoing enquiry commission," Kejriwal tweeted.

Delhi's Lt Governor Najib Jung had questioned the legality of appointment of the probe panel by the Aam Aadmi Party government to probe the affairs in DDCA, triggering a new round of confrontation with Kejriwal dispensation.

The Delhi chief minister also made a fresh allegation against DDCA officials who he did not name, suggesting that they had sought sexual favours in selection of players.

The AAP has been targeting Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, alleging that wrongdoings took place in the DDCA during his 13-year tenure till 2013 as its head.

On his part Subramanium, a former solicitor general, also wrote to Kejriwal requesting him to send the names of five "outstanding" investigative officers from the anti-corruption branch with their dossiers.

Subramanium told Kejriwal that he has written to Doval as the Central government "itself called upon the Delhi government" to get an investigation done into alleged irregularities in the DDCA.

"Obviously, this means that the Central government would render all possible assistance in this regard," the top lawyer wrote. In his letter to Doval, Subramanium said that "some of the disclosures may also pertain to national security".

"It is important that I must ask you to step in and offer suitably qualified officers who will also be morally endowed to assist the commission," he wrote.