NCP demands CBI probe into Rajiv Gandhi IT Habitat

Panaji, Nov 29 (UNI) Endorsing the views of the unattached legislator and former minister Atanasio Monserrate (Babush), the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) today demanded institution of a CBI investigation into the entire episode related to the much-hyped Rajiv Gandhi IT Habitat, located at Dona Paula Plateu, in Goa.

Interacting with mediapersons here, the state NCP president Dr Wilfred D'Souza said the party further demanded stoppage of all works at the project site forthwith and investigation into the allotment of land to the beneficiaries to unearth irregularities.

It may be recalled that Mr Monserrate, representing Taleigao constituency, had extended his unconditional support to Digambar Kamat-led coalition government when it had plunged into minority in July this year. He had alleged that a big scam was behind land allotments and sought a CBI investigation.

He, along with a group of Dona Paula residents, submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister yesterday demanding scrapping of the project, besides threatening to launch an agitation if the demand was not met within a week's time.

At the same time, MGP legislator and former PWD minister Ramakrishna Dhavlikar, who challenged the decision of Speaker Pratapsinh Rane to disqualify him as MLA to prevent him for voting against the government in July last, also demanded a probe by a High Court judge into the land scam.

The two leaders questioned the sale of land at about Rs 4,000 per square metre as against the market price of Rs 10,000, besides allowing construction of a shopping mall and a theatre, which were not there in the original plan.

It may be recalled that UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi had laid the foundation stone for the project much against the wishes of the residents of the neighbouring colonies, who feared drain of ground water and other resources in the area.

UNI