Mirpurkhas BISE corruption inquiry expands to more officials

HYDERABAD: The corruption investigation linked to the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE), Mirpurkhas, has widened further, with the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) calling in more officials as part of its ongoing probe.

ACE Mirpurkhas has summoned five officials to record their statements on April 24. Those called include a deputy secretary of the Sindh Universities and Boards Department and three former chairmen of BISE Mirpurkhas.

The inquiry is tied to the multi-billion-rupee corruption scandal at the board, which appears to be drawing in additional officials as investigators broaden the scope of the case.

An official said, Anwar Aleem Khanzada [the arrested former controller of examinations of BISE Mirpurkhas] has named certain individuals for abetting corruption.

Former chairmen and officials named in inquiry

In a letter sent to a former chairman, ACE Inspector Kumar wrote that Khanzada had alleged paying him a Rs15 million bribe. Separate letters issued to two other former chairmen, Zulfiqar Ali Shah and Barkat Ali Haideri, also referred to alleged payments of Rs13.5 million and Rs8 million, respectively.

Farhan Akhtar, deputy secretary of the Universities and Boards Department, has also surfaced in the investigation in relation to postings and transfers.

Naeem Qureshi, who serves as personal secretary to the provincial minister for universities and boards, is also due to be questioned. He will be asked about allegations that he received illegal gratification in connection with transfers and postings.

All of the individuals summoned have been directed to explain their positions and appear before ACE Mirpurkhas on April 24 to record their statements.

Records sought from department

Alongside the summons, the Secretary of the Universities and Boards Department has been instructed to provide complete records within a week. The secretary has been asked to furnish detailed documentation concerning administrative justifications.

The assistance of a subordinate official has also been sought for the inquiry as investigators continue to gather material related to the case.

The latest development indicates that the anti-corruption authorities are extending their examination of alleged wrongdoing beyond the officials already under scrutiny, with the investigation now focusing on claims of bribery as well as alleged irregularities in postings and transfers.