Turkish authorities probe corruption claims over Ankara mayor

The Public Prosecutor's Office in Ankara launched the investigation into the capital city's mayor Melih Gokcek over the claims, including questionable transactions carried out by the municipality. Â

The issue came into spotlight last December during a TV duel between Gokcek and Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the parliamentary group chairman of the main opposition Republican People's Party, or CHP, who claimed that the residents of Ankara had been sold overpriced natural gas meters for one year.

Kilicdaroglu said it was "a delayed move," commenting on the investigation launched four days after the country's local elections, hurriyet.com.tr reported.

The Ankara mayor rejected the reports, saying it was a routine investigation. Â

"This is not an investigation it is a routine procedure. But they (the media) show it as if the Interior Ministry gave such an instruction. There is no such directive," he told hurriyet.com.tr.

Gokcek, candidate of the ruling Justice and Development Party, or AKP, was re-elected as Ankara mayor for the fourth time in the March 29 elections, despite a significant drop in public support.

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