Speed up fake stamp paper scam probe, Kumaraswamy tells CBI

Bangalore, Sep 7 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today demanded the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to speed up its probe into the multicrore fake stamp paper scam following its kingpin Abdul Karim Telgi naming some politicians and officials in the case during the narco-analysis test.

His statement comes in the wake of a section of the electronic media beaming a video recording of the narco-analysis test conducted on Telgi in 2003. In the video clipping, Telgi was seen naming some politicians, including Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Chaggan Bhujbal, former Karnataka Minister Roshan Baig, and a host of police oficials, in the scam. He also claimed that he had given Rs 2000 crore to Karnataka police.

Speaking to newspersons after launching 'Urban Forestry' programme, organised by the Bangalore Development Authority on the outskirts of the city, Mr Kumaraswamy said the culprits, who had brought heavy loss to the state government, should be brought to the book soon.

On Tegli disclosing the names of certain Congress leaders in connection with the scam, he said these leaders, who had tried to topple his government by levelling false allegations against him, should now answer the people.

Referring to the corruption charges made by Congress President Sonia Gandhi against him and his government during the recent party convention here, he said she had no moral right to make such charges ''when her party was neck deep in corruption and other scams.'' Asked about the Office of Profit Bill, he said the Bill drafted by the state government had been sent back by the Governor as was done by the President when the UPA government sought his approval.

With the President giving his approval now, the state was also considering sending the Bill to the Governor once again. A special session of the State Legislature would be convened for the purpose, if necessary.

UNI RS RG PA RN1806