Probe 'fraudulent' export of 40000 MT of pulses, CPI tell gov

New Delhi, Mar 1 (UNI) The CPI today demanded a thorough inquiry into the export of 40,000 metric tonne pulses by five firms despite a ban on such trading, and termed it as a ''sabotage within the government'' on the question of curbing price rise.

The party also demanded an inquiry into te role of a particular firm which is benefiting from the futures through ''fraudulent'' means.

''We have got the relevant documents. If the government wants, we can provide the same,'' CPI senior leader and floor leader in the Lok Sabha Gurudas Dasgupta said at a press conference where party leaders C K Chandrappan and S Sudhakar Reddy were also present.

Mr Dasgupta, however, neither divulged the details of the five firms which were party to the export of the pulses, nor gave the name of the company which, he alleged, got benefits from the futures despite the ban.

Pressing forth their demand for an inquiry, the CPI leaders said ''Let there be a probe on how the fraudulent bank loans were advanced. These people have strong political connections. But they do not necessarily belong to the ruling party.'' The CPI leaders also wanted to know why the government did not make proper procurements of foodgrains last year and allowed the private companies to purchase as much as 20 lakh MT tonne of wheat from the market to create its shortage.

He compared the figures of 2001-02 with the 2005-06 to buttress his claim in this regard. ''There is no stock limit imposed by the central government in this connection. Besides, the Essential Commodities Act is not properly implemented.'' ''When the government had banned the export of pulses, how were the firms allowed to export 40000 MT of pulses contravening the government order?'' he questioned.

UNI