PANJIM: The Louis Berger bribery investigation witnessed a major development when Special Public Prosecutor G D Kirtani quit from appearing in the case as the government has appointed another SPP Rajeev Gomes without his consent.
His resignation to the Home Department on August 15, has still not been accepted by the government.
Without specifying Gomes’ appointment in his two-page resignation letter, Kirtani said, “Certain developments have taken place, without my consent, which has led to unwarranted criticism of my competency in a section of the press, as also in social media and surprisingly, there has not been a single statement on behalf of the government clarifying the government’s stance on the said issue.” A copy of the letter is with Herald.
Kirtani began appearing for the State since July 27 when JICA project director Anand Wachasundar was arrested by Crime Branch (CB). There were subsequent arrests including that of former PWD minister Churchill Alemao on August 5 and later when ex-chief minister Digambar Kamat applied for anticipatory bail. Kirtani appeared for all these matters until August 12 when Gomes began assisting him in the case following the government order.
Kirtani also ensured that CB was lauded for taking effective action, before the special court as and when the case was heard. The resignation letter, first dispatched to the Home Secretary was sent to CB SP Kartik Kashyap the same day.
“The CB team led by SP Kashyap has painstakingly, with great professionalism, investigated and collected all possible incriminating material/evidence and that too at the breakneck speed which squarely points to the guilt of the persons accused,” he stated requesting the government to relieve him while also thanking government for reposing their trust in him.
Kirtani confirmed the development adding that he has no grudge against anyone but he wished that he was informed about the new appointment which he actually came to know through media reports.
Sources in the government said Kirtani has been requested to withdraw his resignation.
