Central Team begins probe in KPT irregularities

Bhuj, Gujarat, Feb 1 (UNI) A high power team of Union Shipping and Transport Ministry (USTM) today began detailed investigations into the alleged irregularities worth several crores of rupees in the functioning of the Kandla Port Trust (KPT).

According to information available here, a team, led by USTM under-secretary A M Vijayan, arrived here late last night and began investigations into the alleged irregularities made in the administration of the KPT.

The Central team is mainly probing the irregularities in three main accusations--allocation of land, contracts for Container Terminal Station and Container Freight Station--made against the KPT administration.

It is believed that after the preliminary investigations, the team has seized several files and documents from the KPT offices and other places pertaining to the alleged irregularities amounting to several crores of rupees.

Yesterday, as a primary initiative, the USTM had ordered transfers of KPT Chairman Janardhan Rao, Chief Mechanical Engineer A K Gadkari and other senior officials.

It is believed that Mr Rao and others were transferred following the 'some negative remarks' and allegation of corruption made in a report of Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).

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