Though the former local bodies minister came to Patiala from Jalandhar in the afternoon and reached the office of Patiala SSP SK Asthana, who heads the panel, he left the office within minutes.

Sources said Ch Jagjit Singh had come prepared along with his counsel from Chandigarh to appear before the probe panel, but he left the venue, saying he will return soon.

Later, his counsel appeared before the SSP and submitted an application, seeking exemption from appearance, citing health reasons. His counsel said Ch Jagjit was keen to join the investigation, but today he was suffering from cervical pain.

He said he has been advised rest by a local doctor. No medical certificate was, however, attached with his application. This is the second time within this week that Ch Jagjit has failed to appear before the panel. He was earlier summoned on Wednesday, but sought two days' time.

He has now sought three more days and will appear on Monday. Fresh summons have been issued to him.

Ch Jagjit is being questioned by the panel for his role in sanctioning a multi-crore housing project of the former DGP in Zirakpur.

Incidentally, the former minister is also one of the prime accused in the multi-crore Ludhiana City Centre scam. Meanwhile, Asthana said among other charges against the former minister, he allegedly had sanctioned Virk's multi-crore housing project despite the refusal of the village panchayat and Zirakpur Municipal Council.