CBI unearths scam in uranium extraction filter purchase

Kochi, Nov 21 (UNI) The CBI has unearthed a scam in the purchase of uranium extraction filters for Rs 50 lakh by six senior officials of the public sector Indian Rare Earths (IRE) Ltd, investigating agency officials said today.

The CBI, which conducted raids on the official and residential premises of the six IRE officials -- two general managers, three deputy general managers and one manager -- at Kalmaserry here yesterday, seized several ''incriminating documents'', the officials told UNI.

The re-officials were identified as General Managers Madhavan Kutty and K R Venugopal, Deputy General Managers Francy Varghese, M G Rajan and M R Suryanarayanan and Audit Manager Rukmini Menon.

The CBI conducted the raids here and on the offices of the private supplier, Mecon Engineering in Bangalore, yesterday after registering a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The documents were being scrutinised and follow-up action would be initiated, the officials said.

However, no arrests had been made so far, they said.

The alleged scam pertained to the purchase of 'ANF filters', used in the process of uranium extraction, during 2005-06.

UNI