Lokpal Dismisses Disproportionate Assets Allegation Against BJP MP Nishikant Dubey
The Lokpal has dismissed the allegation of disproportionate assets against BJP MP Nishikant Dubey. It called the complaint frivolous and vexatious. The anti-corruption body slammed the complainant, former IPS officer Amitabh Thakur, for indulging in whataboutery during the proceedings.
Lokpal Finds Complaint Devoid of Merit
The Lokpal, headed by former Supreme Court judge AM Khanwilkar, found Thakur's charge devoid of merit. Thakur made the allegation in May last year. The Lokpal said Dubey can pursue his grievance regarding breach of privacy and damage to reputation. Thakur went public with his allegation.
Complaint Relied on Election Affidavits and Wife's Assets
Lokpal noted that Thakur relied completely on Dubey's election affidavits. Thakur focused mostly on the substantial increase in the assets of Dubey's wife. She is not a public servant. The Lokpal agreed with Dubey's contention that the rise in asset value was due to market price escalation. It added that his wife has an independent business.
Dubey and BJP Welcome the Verdict
Nishikant Dubey faced attacks from Congress over the allegation. He lauded the verdict as satyamev jayate. BJP suggested the case resulted from his relentless attack on the opposition party, especially the Gandhi family. BJP's Amit Malviya said Lokpal completely slammed the motivated campaign against Dubey. He called Dubey an Achilles heel for the Gandhi family.
Background on the Complainant
Amitabh Thakur is under judicial custody after being arrested in December in an alleged cheating case. This context adds to the Lokpal's dismissal of his complaint as lacking substance.
