The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau has sought permission from the government to register a first information report (FIR) against two senior officials, including an IAS officer, for the alleged irregularities in the tendering process in the pulses scam that rocked the state during the previous BJP regime.

The Vigilance Bureau has sought permission from the Principal Secretary for Home and the Vigilance Department to allow it to register an FIR against IAS officer Padam Singh Chauhan and Ashok Chauhan, Deputy Controller, Himachal Pradesh Food and Civil Supplies Corporation. Padam Singh Chauhan was the Managing Director of the corporation and the scam had figured prominently in the Congress charge sheet.

The two officers were accused of favouring AR Traders in the re-tendering process with regard to delayed online transfer of Rs 30 lakh earnest money which was to be paid in the form of a draft along with tender documents. It was also alleged that the pulses supply was made from Delhi instead of Bathinda.