Suspected ISI agent appointment in the state govt department den

Guwahati, Sep 7 (UNI) The Asom Government today asked for all relevant files regarding the appointment scam in the social welfare department even as the ''accused minister'' denied any irregularities.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today asked his Commissioner to show the files to conduct a departmental inquiry into the scam, while accused minister Gautam Roy denied of any such wrongdoings.

On behalf of the Chief Minister state Government spokesman Ripun Bora said prima facie there were no such proof of any wrongdoings ''but the Chief Minister has made it clear that the government would not compromise with any corruption''.

Meanwhile, Excise and Border Areas minister Gautam Roy, who was the Social Welfare Minister when the scandal took place, today strongly denied having appointed suspected ISI agent in the state Social Welfare Department during his tenure as alleged by the opposition Asom Gana Parishad (AGP).

The AGP yesterday stirred up a hornest's nest citing a confidential police inquiry where it was clearly written that among the controversial appointees, there were ISI elements.

Talking to newsmen here today, Mr Roy said the government has appointed 744 people in the Social Welfare Department during his tenure observing all laid down procedures including advertisement in the local newspapers and also inviting candidates' name from local employment offices.

Of these 744, there were 140 persons from the religious minority group. ''But not a single foreigner, not to speak of ISI agent have been appointed during the period, '' he stated.

In a separate media briefing another government sposkesman Himanta Biswa Sharma said that government would never compromise on national security.

He, however, said Mr Gogoi has asked for all relevant files from the Social Welfare Department to verify the opposition's allegation.

Only yesterday AGP alleged that 300 persons have been appointed in the Social Welfare Department during Mr Roy's tenure illegally of whom 250 were from religious minority group which again includes suspected ISI agent.

The AGP also submitted a memorandum to the President with copies to the Prime Minister and Union Home Ministers alleging appointment scam in the department.

Mr Roy challenged the AGP to prove their claim within a month or apolosige publicly for their false claim.

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