Parrikar reiterates demand for CBI probe into alcohol import
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, APRIL 1
The Leader of the Opposition Manohar Parrikar has reiterated his demand for an inquiry through CBI or NIA into the alleged irregularities of the import of alcohol into the State during 2009.
Parrikar in a letter to the Finance Secretary Udipta Ray who is conducting the inquiry into the alleged scam on the order of the State government, has stated that the scam involved not only the senior officials but also higher ups including a political bigwig.
“In these, circumstances, that I have demanded a CBI inquiry in the matter as even the State Police will not be in a position to conduct a fair and impartial investigation, “ he said in the letter.
Addressing a press conference at Assembly complex in Porvorim, on Thursday, Parrikar informed that senior police official of J & K government was in Goa to investigate into leakages in the export of beer and whiskey to Goa.
The State Excise department had sent confirmation letter to J&K government about the import but stock has not reached here.
Pursuant to the development, the Excise Commissioner has lodged a complaint with Crime Branch that the confirmation letter was not sent by his department, he said.
With this development it is imperative that investigation has to be done through CBI or NIA as also the scam has inter-state ramification having involvement of six to ten states.
According to Parrikar insurgents from North-East might also be involved and CBI inquiry is needed to probe this angle.
According to Parrikar, the State is losing revenue upto Rs 40-50 crore per year due to this scam.
In his letter to the Finance secretary, Parrikar has requested him to forthwith lodge an appropriate complaint with the CBI on behalf of the State.
“The inquiry now ordered by the State Government is only a farce being undertaken”, he said enclosing more details and evidence in support of charges made by him.
