UDF demands Judicial probe into HMT land deal

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 21 (UNI) Reiterating its demand for a Judicial probe into the alleged Hindustan Machines and Tools (HMT) land deal at Kochi, the Congress-led Opposition, United Democratic Front (UDF) Convenor P P Thankachan today alleged that Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan was playing a ''hide and seek'' game on the issue.

Talking to newspersons here, he said it was one of the largest land scams in the State, as it involved two ministers and the land was sold at a throw-away price of Rs 90 crore to a real-estate firm, as against the market value of Rs 700 crore.

Though Mr Achuthanandan had reacted positively against the deal, when it was brought to light, he later''twisted'' his earlier stand after the Kottayam Party Congress of the CPI(M), Mr Thankachan alleged and said it was only to keep his official position intact.

Mr Thankachan alleged that the Chief Minister was not sincere in his fight against corruption, as he was now supporting the corrupt ministers in his ministry.

He urged the Chief Minister to publish the report of the Chief Secretary, who was appointed by the Chief Minister, to enable the public to get a clear picture about it.

UNI CGV KVV GT AS1709