BJP Alleges 'Multi-Crore Panic Button Scam', Seeks Resignation Of Delhi Transport Minister

The BJP has accused the AAP government in Delhi of a scam involving millions of rupees in the implementation of panic buttons in buses in the national capital.

However, the AAP government maintains that all safety measures are functioning properly.

In response to media reports about the Anti-Corruption Bureau auditing panic buttons, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva said on Tuesday (1 August) that the Delhi Transport Department has engaged in a scam worth crores of rupees in the name of panic buttons.

Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, the leader of the opposition in the Delhi Assembly, announced that a delegation led by Virendra Sachdeva will meet with the Lieutenant Governor to submit a memorandum regarding the alleged "multi-crore panic button scam."

Bidhuri further demanded that Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot step down from his position until the investigation is completed.

Meanwhile, the Delhi government has stated that it has no knowledge of any formal audit being "carried out by the ACB, including whether appropriate technical protocols were being followed while conducting the audit or if the persons carrying the audit were technically qualified to do so".

"Further, no reactions or inputs from Delhi government officials were sought regarding any findings of the audit, which they are bound to do before submitting any report to higher authorities," it said, reports NDTV.

The statement emphasised that the safety and security of passengers have always been the utmost priority for the Delhi government.

"All necessary security measures are in place and are functioning effectively," it said.

The command-and-control centre at Kashmere Gate has played a crucial role in ensuring safety of all passengers, especially women traveling in DTC and Cluster buses, it added.

All buses in Delhi are equipped with IP-based CCTV surveillance cameras, panic buttons, and GPS systems. The live feed from the CCTV inside the bus is regularly being watched at control centres, and appropriate action is taken whenever needed, it said.