Kheny welcomes probe, extends full cooperation

Mysore, July 7 (UNI) The Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise (NICE), promoters of the Bangalore Mysore Infrastructure Corridor (BMIC), today welcomed the judicial probe ordered by the JD(S)-BJP coalition government in Karnataka.

Reacting to Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy's announcement about the probe in the State Assembly yesterday, NICE Managing Director Ahok Kheny told newsmen here that NICE would extend all cooperation to the Judicial probe and provide necessary information and data.

He said the probe should also encompass some of the existing and retired bureaucrats and they should also be inquired.

He however disputed the claim of the Government that it had deposited only Rs.10 crore with the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) for land acquisition. Actually the amount deposited was Rs.110 crore, he added.

Mr Kheny, who was here in connection with the ground breaking ceremony for the Mysore end of the 110 km Expressway of BMIC, said NICE wanted to start the work as per the directions of the Supreme Court. However MUDA officials have obstructed the same stating that they had not been paid the necessary amount for the land acquired for the project.

On excess land dispute, he said NICE was keen to hand over to the government if there was any excess land. To another question, he said though the equity was pegged at Rs.523 crore it was to be made in three phases and in the first phase as against the requisite Rs.175 crore, the company had contributed Rs.250 crore.

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