Border land scam: CBI probe demanded

Jaipur, Jan 23: AICC general secretary and former Rajasthan chief minster Ashok Gehlot today demanded a CBI inquiry into the reported land deal scam in the border areas in Barmer district.

Talking to reporters here, Mr Gehlot said, ''this is a very serious issue which has direct implication on our national security.'' ''Since indulgence of a ruling BJP leader's son is being tipped and bureaucratic inaction has been witnessed in the matter, inquiry in this matter is not possible by state government agencies and, therefore, the CBI should be entrusted with the task,'' the former chief minister said.

Mr Gehlot said the inquiry into the infamous arms licence scam reported from Ganganagar district a couple of months ago should also be transferred to the CBI.

The two instances had exposed the state government's apathy over national security related issues.

The Congress leader also took serious exception to ''indecent instances'' at the recent Collectors' Conference as the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary expressed their displeasure over ''inefficiency'' of Bikaner and Barmer District Collectors.

''This is very alarming situation which exposed the Chief Minister's lack of control over the bureaucracy,'' he added.

UNI