CPI hails CBI's move to probe foodgrain scam in UP

Lucknow, Nov 4 (UNI) The Communist Party of India (CPI) today welcomed the decision of the CBI to probe the 35,000 crore foodgrain scam.

CPI Uttar Pradesh unit secretary Girish said the party had launched a massive agitation spearheaded by its senior leader Ashok Mishra on August 4 last, seeking a CBI probe into the multi-crore scam. ''The CBI's decision to finally investigate the matter is no less than a success for us,'' he quipped.

''It is also a favourable step for the people of the state, whose 'roti' has been snatched by some corrupt politicians and traders,'' he alleged, adding, the scam should also be probed in other districts and accused dealt with strict hands, the CPI leader demanded.

The CBI had yesterday filed FIRs in the Rs 35,000 crore foodgrain scam in UP perpetuated between March 2004 to October 2005.

The CBI had filed nine FIRs related to the scam -- eight in Ballia and one in Lakhimpur Kheri, where the scam amounted more than Rs one crore. Over 35 government officials were found to be involved in the scam as per the preliminary CBI probe.

Chief Minister Mayawati had recommended for the CBI probe into the scam a way back on December 1, 2007.

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