Team Herald
PANJIM: Congress has filed a complaint before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) seeking a probe into the revelations made by Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on fuel adulteration in Goa.
Parrikar, during his 60th birthday celebrations on December 13, last year, had stated that he is aware of fuel adulteration in Goa and who all are involved in it and where the adulteration is taking place.
Congress General Secretary Sunil Kawthankar, in a complaint filed before CBI director Anil Kumar Sinha, demanded that an FIR based on the claims made by the Union Minister be registered immediately and that investigations be initiated against those involved in such malpractices.
“The seriousness of the complaint be looked into as the claim has come from none other than Union Defence Minister and as fuel supply relates directly to Central government companies, any sort of corrupt practices arising due to adulteration of fuel is the responsibility of your organization (CBI), to take it to a logical end,” Kawthankar said.
The Congress leader said fuel adulteration is not only causing several crores of rupees loss to the nation but also causes loss to individuals. “More seriously there are aviation fuel depots and a Naval base in Goa, which may also be receiving the adulterated fuel and in such circumstances there may be adverse effects on the aircrafts – both military and civilian – endangering human life,” he said.
Kawthankar has demanded that statements of Union Ministers Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Shripad Naik and other BJP State leaders be recorded, as they were present when Parrikar made the statement. Congress has said that failure of CBI to act will force them to approach the court.
