The Hindu : National : Opposition demands CBI probe into Battalion salary scam

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Tuesday, Nov 13, 2007
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Opposition demands CBI probe into Battalion salary scam

Sushanta Talukdar

CID unearths multi-crore rupee scam

13 individuals arrested so far
Arrests of more police and other officials likely

Guwahati: The Assam government on Monday turned down a demand by opposition parties for the institution of a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into a multi-crore rupee scam relating to the salaries and arrears of police personnel of the third and tenth Assam Police Battalion (APBN) unearthed by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Replying on behalf of the Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, State Forest Minister Rockybul Hussain informed the State assembly that so far 15 police and treasury officials including three then commandants two of them being Indian Police Service (IPS) officials have been identified to be involved in financial irregularities in three cases. Thirteen people have been arrested including a superintendent of police, an additional SP and a deputy superintendent while one SP is still absconding. The Minister informed the House that the investigation pertaining to similar irregularities in ten APBNs was on and arrests of more police and other officials were likely.

The scam surfaced when a constable complained that though he was dismissed from service and debarred from receiving salaries for three months for being absent in duty his general provident fund was deposited in his name. The CID unearthed that funds were withdrawn from the treasury against false bills. From the financial year 1998-99 to 2005-06 a total amount of Rs. 1367 crore was allotted to the 25 battalions of Assam Police under salary head.

The opposition parties pressed for a CBI probe into the scam to unearth if similar irregularities have taken place in all the 25 police battalions of the State. The demand for a CBI probe was raised by CPI-M member Ananta Deka who was backed by members of other opposition parties.

However, the minister rejected the demand saying that it was the CID which has unearthed the scam and hence it was not proper to doubt to the integrity of the CID officials.

The Minister further informed the House that the State government has sought a detailed report from the Director-General of Police if similar financial irregularities had occurred in other APBNs too.

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