PANJIM: Karnataka’s intention in the Mhadei water diversion case stood further exposed when its witness gave vague answers during the cross examination before the Mhadei Water Dispute Tribunal (MWDT). The tribunal also pulled up the witness asking him to ‘come prepared’ for the next hearing.
According to Additional Solicitor General of India Atmaram Nadkarni, who is representing Goa before the Tribunal, the witness’ statements were full of discrepancies.
“He was asked several questions, particularly on the point of selection of rain gauge stations, which the witness failed to answer. Indeed, on several occasions the witness gave very evasive answers. On one occasion, the witness said that he has thoroughly studied the report of Central Water Commission (CWC) but when he was asked to explain why CWC in its study rejected the Quepem rain gauge station, the witness could not give any explanation,” he said.
The contradiction, Nadkarni said was highlighted before the Tribunal that directed the witness to go through the report thoroughly and reply the unanswered questions on the next date of hearing.
“Thus, the Tribunal has acknowledged the fact that witness is not answering the question and is only giving evasive answers. The Karnataka witness was exposed taking shelter behind memory loss on account of time lag and the report having been prepared in the beginning of 2014,” Nadkarni observed. The cross examination proceedings will continue on May 15.
