Hyderabad: Smitha Sabharwal in Crosshairs: Ghose Panel’s Stern Call
Commission Indicts Senior IAS Officer
The Justice PC Ghose Commission has implicated senior IAS officer Smitha Sabharwal, former secretary to Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao, in procedural lapses tied to three pivotal barrages in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme. The inquiry highlights her alleged dereliction of duty in the oversight and execution phases. Consequently, the panel has advocated for stringent legal measures against her by the Telangana administration.
Inconsistencies in Testimony Exposed
During interrogation, Sabharwal initially affirmed that barrage proposals for Annaram, Sundilla, and Medigadda were presented to the cabinet. However, upon cross-examination regarding the absence of such references in Government Order 776, she retracted, claiming ignorance. The report underscores this shift as indicative of evasive conduct amid scrutiny of foundational decisions.
Denial of Involvement Rejected
Sabharwal contended that her role was confined to briefing the chief minister and field reporting, disclaiming direct ties to planning, construction, or quality assurance. The commission dismissed these assertions as untenable, citing documentary evidence of her correspondence, review sessions, and directives to irrigation officials. This portrayal establishes her as a central figure in administrative orchestration.
Evasive Responses to Key Queries
Confronted with 11 targeted questions on barrage intricacies, Sabharwal frequently responded with assertions of unawareness, per the commission’s documentation. Such reticence, despite her elevated position, was deemed profound negligence and disregard for fiduciary responsibilities. The panel critiqued her persistent denial in the face of compelling substantiation.
Recommendation for Disciplinary Action
In light of evidentiary trails, the Ghose Commission has formally urged the government to initiate proceedings under applicable statutes against Sabharwal. This directive underscores accountability imperatives in public infrastructure governance. The findings maintain an impartial evaluation of bureaucratic conduct without presuming outcomes.
- Initial affirmation of cabinet disclosure retracted
- Evidence of direct operational directives presented
- Multiple claims of ignorance on critical aspects
- Advocacy for legal recourse emphasized