VIBHA VERMA
PANJIM: After the initial furore into the alleged disproportionate assets of Quepem’s Congress legislator Chandrakant Kavlekar, the probe has almost hit dead end for over four months due to the absence of a full-fledged officer in the recently set up in the disproportionate assets cell (DAC).
Kavlekar case amongst several other cases was transferred to DAC within a few days after it was constituted in September 2013 to exclusively probe persons against whom complaints have been registered. The cell is a part of the anti corruption branch (ACB), headed by Bosco George.
Investigations into the DA case against the sitting legislator slowed down after the transfer of ACB inspector Paresh Naik to Anjuna police station in October 2013. Nearly two months ago, Goa police headquarters appointed a police inspector to take charge of the cell but has ironically did not relieve him.
“We are hopeful that he (the PI) will be relieved from his current place of posting since the Lusofonia Games are over and I have been assured from the PHQ,” ACB SP Bosco George told Herald.
Other cases involving a sub divisional magistrate – who has inquired into various high profile cases – has also come under the DAC scrutiny following five complaints against him. Sources said though the complaints did not make specific charges against the senior bureaucrat, a preliminary inquiry did not rule out possibilities of his links to corruption. Similarly, a coastal panchayat member who allegedly owns about seven-to-eight luxury cars despite his limited source of income is also under the scanner. Other northern coastal panchayats and some in the south are also being closely monitored for any illegalities.
Kavlekar is being investigated for allegedly amassing huge wealth allegedly through corrupt practices and investing Rs 5.54 crores, approximately on 13 properties in Pathanamthitta district, Kerala. The politician had served as Goa industrial development corporation (GIDC) chairman from March 2, 2005 to April 7, 2005; July 19, 2005 to May 13, 2007 and June 28, 2007 to February 10, 2012.
The documents obtained from Kerala authorities related to the purchases of the properties have already been translated in English and in the possession of ACB. Sources said the exact number of cases and status of each of its investigations are already enlisted to subsequently prioritize investigation of cases.
Meanwhile, the ACB has proposed to Headquarters for expansion of its staff strength. The bureau currently has a superintdent of police, deputy superintendent of police, three inspectors, one sub inspector and a few lower rank officials.
Kavlekar is being investigated for allegedly amassing huge wealth allegedly through corrupt practices and investing Rs 5.54 crores, approximately on 13 properties in Pathanamthitta district, Kerala.
