GIDC welcomes CBI probe in SEZ scam, rubbishes allegations

Panaji, Oct 23 (UNI) The Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) today welcomed a CBI probe into the alleged multi-crore rupees scam in the allotment of land for Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in Verna and other areas.

The GIDC's announcement came following a complaint filed yesterday by an organisation the 'People's Movement against SEZs' with the Maina-Curtorim and Verna police stations against the GIDC authorities besides Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industries (GCCI) president and director Nitin Kunkoleinkar and 12 others.

GIDC chairman and Quepem MLA Chandrakant Kavlekar, its director and State Power Minister Aliexo Sequeira and managing director Palekar are among the main people framed in the FIR.

The organisation, besides seeking a CID probe into the scam, urged the government to withdraw the SEZ policy which, it said, enhanced pressure on various precious resources including water, land and power besides attracting influx of migrants.

The copies of the FIR have also been submitted to Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, BJP opposition leader Manohar Parrikar, Director General of Police B S Brar, Superintendent of Police (Anti-Corruption Bureau) and the Additional Director (vigilance department).

Denying the allegations, Mr Kavlekar, Mr Sequeira and Mr Palekar told mediapersons here today that they welcome any inquiry, by CID or the CBI, into the charges.

The government had already notified two such SEZs out of the seven approved as against 15 recommended. The land involved at Verna industrial estate was 16.77 lakh square metres followed by 13.68 lakh square metres at Quittol, 12.61 at Keri and 2.03 square metres at Sancole.

UNI