PANJIM: Ruling out any political interference in investigations in the Louis Berger bribery case, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said that Crime Branch (CB) has been given a free hand, and has assured to expose each and every person involved in the case.
Parsekar, also the Home minister, said that CB has written to the American investigating agency seeking a copy of the statement of Louis Berger officials, who admitted to paying bribe to a Goa minister for securing a contract for a water augmentation and sewerage project.
“Police are doing their job independently. There is no political interference. We have given a free hand to Crime Branch officials to investigate this case,” Parsekar told media
persons on Wednesday.
The chief minister said that day-to-day reports on the investigation are being submitted to him by CB. “Though I am updated on a daily basis, this does not mean that I interfere in the case. I am the chief minister of the State and have to be informed about such major cases,” he said. Parsekar was reacting to allegations of “political motive” attributed to Louis Berger bribery case.
“Police are acting based on evidence. Everyone involved will be punished. Crime Branch will find all the roots of this case,” the chief minister said, adding, “At this stage I don’t feel that the case needs to be handed over to the CBI.”
“However, if at a later stage I feel the case is stuck and not moving on the fast track, I can think of handing the case (over) to the CBI,” he added.
Government sources confirmed that CB has decided to oppose the anticipatory bail plea of former chief minister Digambar Kamat. “Police are preparing a strong response to the anticipatory bail plea filed by Kamat,” sources said.
