Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh Tweeted, “ Mr Amitabh Gupta, Principal Secretary (special), has been sent on compulsory leave with immediate effect.”

Mumbai| A case of grave negligence by a top Maharashtra government official has come to light amidst a Coronavirus Pandemic and lockdown. IPS officer Amitabh Gupta, the Principal Secretary (Special) of the Home Department, who issued an emergency pass for the family of DHFL promoter Kapil Wadhwan and Dheeraj Wadhwan has been sent on leave. Gupta has issued passes to nearby 23 people of Wadhwan Family. Based on the letter, the family in their 5 vehicles travelled to Mahabaleshwar in Satara district on Wednesday. They had travelled despite a ban on commute amidst lockdown. The Wadhawans had taken their Guards and chefs with them as well.

After the incident came to light, IPS Gupta has been sent on compulsory leave. As questions started arising and criticism over VIP treatment to the rich followed, Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh Tweeted, “As per discussion with Hon. CM, Mr Amitabh Gupta, Principal Secretary (special), has been sent on compulsory leave with immediate effect, till the pending of enquiry, which will be initiated against him.” He also added #LawSameForEveryone hashtag along with it.

As per discussion with Hon. CM, Mr Amitabh Gupta, Principal Secretary (special), has been sent on compulsory leave with immediate effect, till the pending of enquiry, which will be initiated against him.#LawSameForEveryone — ANIL DESHMUKH (@AnilDeshmukhNCP) April 9, 2020

However, opposition leaders have criticized the government and demanded strong action. Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Devendra Fadnavis sought an inquiry into the matter. “No lockdowns for mighty & rich in Maharashtra? One can spend holidays in Mahabaleshwar with official permission from the police. It is not possible that a senior IPS officer would do such gross mistake knowing the consequences on his own. With whose order or blessings was this done? Mr CM & HM you owe us an explanation,” said Fadnavis in his tweet.

No lockdowns for mighty & rich in Maharashtra?

One can spend holidays in Mahabaleshwar with official permission from police.

It is not possible that a senior IPS officer would do such gross mistake knowing the consequences on his own.

(1/2) https://t.co/0Ey8j938k8 — Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) April 9, 2020

What did IPS Gupta write in the letter?

Amitabh Gupta wrote in the official letter, “I am well aware of the following (person) because they are my family friends and due to emergency in the family, they are travelling from Khandala in Pune to Mahabaleshwar in Satara. They should be assisted in reaching the destination.” The letter also provided details of 5 vehicles belonging to the Wadhwan family. However, his move made Chief Minister Thackeray angry because the government was advising all people to stay in the house.

The CBI will take action when the quarantine is over

CBI had issued a lookout notice against Kapil and Dheeraj Wadhwan. They are accused in both Yes Bank and DHFL fraud case. The CBI can take them into custody after the lockdown is over.