MARGAO, SEPT 8
Sleuths of the Central Bureau of Investigations on Wednesday evening raided the Betalbatim residence of former Tourism Minister, Mickky Pacheco in connection with the alleged immigration and money laundering racket, even as the Benaulim MLA said he is innocent and vowed to come out clean.
The CBI officials descended at the residence-cum-business premises of the Benaulim MLA at Betalbatim and searched for records and documents. They were holed up in the building, spanning over three hours, scanning records in a bid to lay their hands on the alleged incriminating documents.
Mickky along with an official once came down from the building and entered the business premises facing the road. He was huddled with the officials for some time, before they returned back to the building.
The MLA was inside the building even as the CBI officials conducted the search. Some of his supporters were seen near his residence this evening, as the raid continued late in the night.
Pacheco on Sunday said that the investigating agencies were free to check all records, and that he would make available the records to the CBI for scrutiny.
The Benaulim MLA appeared calm and composed when he spoke to media over the telephone, with the former minister saying he would come clean on the issue.
“Let the CBI conduct investigations into the so called alleged immigration and money laundering racket. A thorough inquiry would help me to come out clean. I am innocent. I am not involved in any immigration racket nor into money laundering”, Pacheco told Herald.
He said around 15 CBI sleuths had descended at his residence this evening, looking out for documents vis-à-vis immigration, while reiterating that he is innocent and vowed to come out clean in the matter.
Terming the allegations as politically motivated, the former minister said that he has nothing to worry about and all the records and documents will be made available to the investigating authorities.
He accused his rivals for leveling the baseless allegations after they found him gaining support and sympathy in the case of abetment to suicide.
Pacheco had on Sunday stated that the investigators can check whether millions of dollars have been transacted on his account, saying that he is a businessman and have been transacting money lawfully from bank to bank.
