The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has booked the former Official Liquidator of Delhi-based Super Bazar for alleged misappropriation of funds and other irregularities.
A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against A.K. Misra, based on a complaint by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
Mr. Misra, the then Chief Director (Co-operation) in the Ministry of Agriculture, was appointed as Official Liquidator of Super Bazar in July 2002. He superannuated as Chief Director in January 2017. However, he held full charge of the post of Official Liquidator till March 2018. His tenure was further extended till May 2018.
It is alleged that even after demitting office, Mr. Misra issued a cheque for ₹35 crore in favour of Writers & Publishers Limited (WPL), which had been selected to review Super Bazar.
“However, WPL – despite managing Super Bazar for seven years from 2009 to 2016 has not submitted any revival plan and has made a prayer before the Supreme Court to withdraw from the process of reviving Super Bazar, requesting for refund of the capital invested by it in Super Bazar during the management period. The same is under adjudication of the Hon’ble Apex Court,” said a Ministry letter to the CBI.
“His misdemeanour is also apparent from the fact that he, as Official Liquidator issued instructions to the Senior Counsel not to appear before the Hon’ble Court in the hearing dated May 2, 2018…,” said the letter, alleging he had deliberately withheld facts about financial transactions from the Court.
Misappropriation
The Ministry also accused Mr. Misra of misappropriating funds in the name of “ghost employees”. It added that he manipulated the auction of properties sold through e-auction. A number of properties were sold and registered to single bidders at a price nominally above the reserve price in violation of the rules.