Fire tenders: SAD seeks probe into purchase

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 27

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) today demanded a probe into the purchase of 11 fire tenders by the Local Bodies Department, alleging that the vehicles had started developing a snag immediately after their flag-off by minister Navjot Singh Sidhu yesterday.

In a statement, former minister and SAD general secretary Bikram Singh Majithia said the matter should be handed over to an inquiry commission to ensure a free and fair probe.

“The commission should also hold a public hearing the way Sidhu recently listened to Superintending Engineers of his department. Sidhu can then explain to the commission in the presence of the media why he ordered substandard fire tenders,” he added.

The Akali leader said it must be ascertained whether the fire tenders were new or refurbished and repainted vehicles.