Team Herald
PANJIM: Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar on Friday, hinting indirectly at the Louis Berger bribery case, involving two former Congress Ministers – Digambar Kamat and Churchill Alemao – categorically stated, “non-judicious use of government money has landed many in a position where they should not have been today”.
“There are many cases where government money was not judiciously used… looted and hence today everyone has seen where they (Kamat and Alemao) are. We all are in Assembly as session is on and where they are,” Parsekar said.
While Alemao is under arrest, the order on Kamat’s anticipatory bail plea will be pronounced on August 19. Both are accused of receiving bribes from a US-based consultancy firm.
“BJP government is well versed that it is government money and it will make its use very judiciously,” the Chief Minister said.
Later Parsekar said the case would be handed to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) if required after the State police conduct a thorough inquiry. He reiterated that Crime Branch is doing good work and he is satisfied with the investigation.
“During the course of investigation I have received many hints that I give to police,” Parsekar said. He agreed to investigate the hawala angle linked to the casino industry, which came up during course of investigation in the Louis Berger bribery case.
He clarified that he has not used the case as a weapon to control the Opposition in the Assembly, “Did I at any point of time comment on this in the Assembly,” he asked.
