Centre gives clean chit to Jet Airways

Mumbai, July 12: The Centre today gave a clean chit to Jet Airwaysand its Managing Director Naresh Goel regarding their alleged links tothe underworld.

The Union Government today informed the Bombay High Court thatsecurity agencies have found no evidence to prove the allegationagainst Jet Airways and its director.

The Centre's submission came during the hearing of a PIL seekingdirections for a CBI probe against the airways and its director fortheir alleged links to the underworld. The court was told that theprivate airline has been given security clearance in accordance withthe law last year.

Making a statement before a Division Bench comprising ChiefJustice Swatantra Kumar and Justice Ranjana Desai, counsel for Union ofIndia Usha Khejriwal contended before the court that there was noinquiry pending against Jet Airways, its Managing director Naresh Goeland others.

She also told the court that Research and Analysis Wing (RAW),Intelligence Bureau and Ministry of Home Affairs had made enquiriesfollowing the allegations. ''All these agencies have reached theconclusion that the allegations are baseless and no concrete evidencehas been found,'' she said.

The court was also told that the airline and its directors were given the security clearance last year.

The court directed the Union of India to make an affidavit in thisregard and adjourned the hearing till tomorrow. The statement was madein response to a PIL filed by an Urdu journalist alleging that Mr Goeland Jet Airways had links to the underworld. The petitioner had prayedto the court that the CBI or any other agency be directed to probe thematter. On the previous occasion, the court had directed the UnionGovernment to make an enquiry and file the report.

UNI