NBA demands CBI probe into scam

Bhopal, Mar 6 (UNI) The Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) today demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into alleged irregularities in rehabilitation work and a multi-crore scam in land allotment.

A four-member NBA team visited dam-affected areas.

''During a public hearing it was found that irregularities took place in land allotment under the Madhya Pradesh government's special rehabilitation policy. Narmada Valley Development Authority (NVDA) officials and touts made fake registries and embezzled funds meant for oustees,'' social activist Arvind Kejriwal told reporters here.

Among those present at the five-day hearing -- that got underway on December 13, 2007 -- were Swami Agnivesh, social activists Anna Hazare, Mushrif, Anand Kothariyan and Kejriwal.

''The government submitted a false affidavit in the Supreme Court on allotment and rehabilitation. The affidavit claimed that five acre were earmarked for every oustee. Sums of Rs 5.60 lakh were set aside for every oustee but they got nothing after the first instalment of Rs 2.80 lakh,'' alleged Mr Kejriwal.

Fifty-five cases were registered against fake registries but 40 of those were against oustees who were also arrested. Cases were also registered against four touts and two government officials.

Thirteen NVDA officials were suspended. The NBA submitted, to the government, proof of about 100 registries being fake.

UNI AG-AC BDP AS2136