Minister reinstated, scandal gapes

The daily unfolding drama of the cash-laden railway ministry car -- particularly in relation to the former railway minister, Suranjit Sengupta -- borders on the farcical. He came into focus last week after the discovery was made and at least three ministry officials who were in the car claimed that they were headed to his residence with a large amount of cash now speculated to be bribe money taken from railway job seekers. At the time, though the minister formed two internal probe committees and suspended his assistant personal secretary and two other railway officials who were in the vehicle, we suggested that he also disengage himself from his duties in the interests of a fair investigation. Two days ago, he of his own volition in the interests of fairness and democracy, resigned from his post -- a move we welcomed. Then yesterday, he was again reinstated as minister but without a portfolio.
The message being conveyed by the government is puzzling, to say the least. Even assuming that the minister is blameless, it must be proven by a probe that is free from any sort of influence. A thorough and impartial investigation can only be of benefit to the innocent.
The public is confused by the arbitrariness of this latest move -- as if anything can be done and undone at will by those in positions of power. There is an over-arching lack of accountability running through the entire episode, topped by Suranjit's reinstatement thanks to a prime ministerial intervention. This is contrary, if not contradictory, to the principle of complete disengagement from a process of investigation that his temporary removal from the government would have ensured. The way the events have played out have denigrated the government.
So far, the government has not addressed the issue with the seriousness it clearly merits, which raises questions about its sincerity. Whether it is about clearing the name of the minister or restoring the credibility of the government, it can only be achieved by getting to the truth of the matter and bringing to book those responsible for the corruption. As for the minister who declared that he would return to politics after being proven innocent by a fair investigation, he may already feel vindicated, perhaps to his surprise, although a question mark remains in the public as to the judiciousness of the government's latest move.