ED ready with Interim Report on Volcker controversy

New Delhi, May 29 (UNI) The Enforcement Directorate has prepared an Interim Report on the Volcker controversy in which former External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh and a few others close to him are embroiled.

The interim report, prepared on the basis of documentary evidence and extensive questioning of those accused of illegally benefiting from the UN's oil for food programme in Iraq, was likely to be presented to the government ''very soon'', official sources said.

The report examines the evidence collected so far and presents possible legal actions that could be taken on it, the sources said.

Mr Natwar Singh's son Jagat, his friend Andaleeb Sehgal, former Indian Envoy to Croatia Aniel Matherani and Youth Congress leader Jameel Saidi were among those examined by the ED which was asked to probe the matter in the wake of the Volcker controversy which erupted on the political scene last year.

Mr Natwar Singh had resigned under pressure after being named as a ''non-contractual beneficiary'' in the Volcker report.

Meanwhile, the Justice R S Pathak Inquiry Authority, probing the scam separately, cross examined Mr Matherani today. Sources said he was questioned about the statements he had given in regard to the scandal in various media interviews.

Mr Matherani said he had merely shared information that he had heard. Such information could not be put on affidavit, he maintained.

UNI IP/VN LR RK2136