Karnataka   

Stamp scam: Kumaraswamy hints at fresh probe

Staff Correspondent

Chief Minister criticises slow pace of CBI inquiry

DADADA KALLAHALLI (Mysore dist.): Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has hinted at the possibility of a fresh probe into the multi-crore stamp paper scam.

Responding to questions from presspersons on the stamp paper scam mastermind Abdul Karim Telgi's claim during narco-analysis that he had paid up to Rs. 2,000 crore to politicians and policemen in Karnataka and Maharashtra, Mr. Kumaraswamy said a decision on a fresh probe into the scam would be taken at an appropriate time.

"We have to see whether the Law Department will permit such a move. The Government will soon make its position clear on the future course of action on the stamp paper scam," he said.

But, Mr. Kumaraswamy was critical about the slow pace of progress in the CBI investigation into the matter. "After the Congress deliberately delayed the inquiry for four years, the CBI inquiry is also proceeding at a slow pace. The CBI inquiry has also failed to bring the matter to light," he said.

Without referring to any political party in particular, Mr. Kumaraswamy said payment of such a large amount of money to politicians and policemen indicates degradation in politics. "It is shameful," he said.

Mr. Kumaraswamy was referring to the claims made by Telgi during the narco-analysis conducted on him at the Forensic Sciences Laboratory in Victoria Hospital during December 2003.

"If the Congress had any respect, it should come forward and unanimously press for expediting the CBI probe into stamp paper scam. The probe should help identify the real culprits and bring them to book. Unfortunately, the CBI probe is not in that direction," he said.

Earlier, Mr. Kumaraswamy arrived at Dadada Kallahalli village around 1.30 a.m. on Wednesday to a rousing reception from local villagers. Hundreds of people, including women and children, stayed up and hosted a midnight reception.

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