'Probe the role of Ananth Kumar in HUDCO scam'

New Delhi, Jun 19: The Congress today demanded a thorough probe into the role of former Urban Development Minister Ananth Kumar in the light of his indictment by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) in the Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) scam that had taken place during the NDA regime.

''This is a very serious matter. A thorough probe should be conducted in the role of the then Minister and deterrent punishment should be given to the officials against whom action has been recommended by the CVC,'' AICC spokesman Rajiv Shukla told reporters.

The CVC in its recent report had recommended initiation of ''appropriate disciplinary action against officials who were involved in the use of facilities beyond their entitlement and for not keeping proper log books and other records.'' As regards action against Mr Ananth Kumar, the CVC said ''the Hon'ble Court may kindly issue appropriate directions.'' The Congress said the government had suffered lossess due to irregularities in the sanction of loan and the gross misuse of of the public sector undertaking.

UNI