DCW chief's tit-for-tat, files complaint against predecessors, drags Dikshit

New Delhi: Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief Swati Maliwal on Friday lodged a complaint with the Anti- Corruption Branch against her predecessors-Barkha Shukla and Kiran Walia--and former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, alleging financial fraud.

Maliwal's complaint comes days after the ACB registered an FIR against her in connection with alleged illegal recruitments in the women's panel, on a complaint filed by Shukla.

"The commission while pursuing the files of the previous commission has discovered instances of gross financial irregularities and high misappropriation of government funds done by previous chairpersons, namely Barkha Shukla Singh and Kiran Walia, with some instances prima facie being carried out under directions of then Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit," the complaint alleged.

The allegations in the complaint include financial fraud of over Rs 50 lakhs in name of Nirbhaya and a silent march for her on January 2, 2013, appointment of a sitting MLA as DCW chief providing opportunities for misuse of office, diversion of funds for political gains and personal glorification, paid interviews and irregularities in celebration of International Women's day over the years.

"While holding the post of Chairperson her (Shukla's ) conduct amounted to misusing of public office with aim to benefit certain individuals. Every year, a majority of the budget of the commission was spent only on organising such functions and giving out advertisements which has been criticised by audit reports time and again," the complaint said.