Khirki raid: Probe panel hands over report to lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung

NEW DELHI: The panel set up to inquire into the midnight raid in Khirki Extension, allegedly led by former law minister Somnath Bharti, has submitted its report to lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung, who has sought the home department's comments on it before taking a final view and issuing directions for action. The judicial inquiry, PTI reports, prima facie gives Delhi Police a clean chit.

The probe, which was conducted by retired additional district and session judge B L Garg, has prima facie put the blame on Bharti for creating the controversy pertaining to his midnight raid, reports PTI. The terms of reference of the commission of inquiry included investigating the roles of the ministers and police officers involved.

The probe report may thus come as a setback for the Aam Aadmi Party as former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal had strongly defended Bharti. Also, with AAP aiming to make an impact in the Lok Sabha polls, the report's findings may cast a shadow on its image as Bharti's case continues to be controversial.

The inquiry report has been sent to the state's home department for comments now, confirmed sources in LG House while refusing to comment on the findings citing confidentiality.

Bharti had gone to Khirki Extension, where he alleged that a drug and prostitution ring was being run by some African nationals. Initially, he demanded that police raid the place. However, when they refused, saying they had no warrant, he allegedly led the mob on the raid. Cops filed a case in the matter on January 19 against unknown persons.