NEW DELHI, June 18 � Alleging gross cover up, former Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta today sought Central intervention to ensure free-and-fair probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the multi-crore rupee North Cachar Hill scam.
A day after Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi took on Mahanta, reminding AGP about the LoC scam, on Friday, it was the turn of the former Chief Minister to respond.
Mahanta called on Union Home Minister, P Chidambaram alleging that the CBI investigation in the Rs 1000 crore scam was being politically influenced. The CBI probe is handicapped, as the State Government has handed over a limited number of five-six cases.
Mahanta�s case was based on news report that appeared in The Assam Tribune�s on the issue. He attached copies of the stories and had it faxed to the Prime Minister, as well.
�We have come to learn that the CBI is entrusted to inquire into the misappropriation of Rs 36 crore, out of which Rs 13.45 crore has been recovered from a private house by the CBI.
Mahanta further alleged that during the raid on the relative of the prime accused, a list containing names of seven Ministers of Gogoi�s council of ministry besides top officials has been seized by the CBI. This proves that high ups in Gogoi Government was involved in the scam, he charged.
Mahanata said he is demanding proper investigation in the scam that is believed to have crossed Rs 1000 crore. The CBI should be allowed to investigate without any political interference,� he said.
He said that he feared that a scam of the same magnitude may have taken place in Karbi Anglong District Autonomous Council.
When asked about the future course of action, he said they would like to first approach the Central Government.
Mahanta further alleged that a massive misappropriation of Central funds granted under PMGRY is going on. In the name of building of roads in rural areas, massive corruption is taking place. Interestingly, Gogoi during his recent meeting with the Prime mInister had sought allocation of Rs 800 crore from the Centre for implementation of the PMRGY.
Responding to the Chief Minister�s charge of his alleged involvement in the LoC scam, Mahanta replied that these were all settled cases and as a practicing lawyer Gogoi should know.
Mahanta said the ruling Congress was enjoying the fruits of the seeds that AGP had sown.
He cited the instances of change of funding pattern to 90:10 during the reign of AGP, the extension of Broad Gauge to Tinsukia, grant of loan waiver of Rs 10,000 given to poor and marginal farmers, self sufficiency in rice production, among others.
�Gogoi has mastered the art of misleading the people and he is doing just that,� he charged.
