New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday filed a charge sheet in Panchkula’s special CBI court against former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, senior Congress leader and ex-chairman of Associated Journals Limited (AJL), Motilal Vora, in connection with the alleged re-allotment of land to AJL.

According to the charge sheet, plot C-17 in Sector-6, Panchkula, was re-allotted to AJL, which publishes the National Herald newspaper, by violating rules and the then chief minister Hooda granted land against the advice of his officers.

“The CBI has today filed a Charge Sheet Under section 120-B of IPC, 420 of IPC and section 13 (2) read with 13 (1) (d) of PC Act in the Court of Special Judge, CBI cases, Panchkula (Haryana) against Bhupinder Singh Hooda, the then Chairman, HUDA (then CM), Haryana; Motilal Vora, then Chairman, M/s Associated Journals Ltd and M/s Associated Journals Ltd in a case relating to an alleged re-allotment of institutional plot No C-17, Sector-6, Panchkula to M/s AJL,” CBI said in a press statement.

Meanwhile, Vohra, reacting to the charge sheet filed against him, has questioned the Union government's intention. "Government is working with bad intentions. The matter is sub judice. The truth will triumph at last. We will give a reply to the charge sheet. There is no irregularity in the matter," Vohra told the media.

According to the CBI’s FIR, AJL filed an appeal against Haryana Urban Development Authority’s (HUDA) decision before HUDA administrator which was dismissed. But, again the decision was challenged before the Haryana's Town and Country Planning commissioner who also refused to grant any relief to AJL.

According to the allegations, Hooda abused his position and granted land against the decision of his two top officers. He ordered re-allotment of the plot to AJL at original rates plus interest in August 2005.

AJL is reportedly run and regulated by the Gandhi family through Young India Limited which was founded by former Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru.

The case was first registered by the Haryana Vigilance Bureau but later transferred to CBI last year.