Parrikar pleased after being absolved of corruption charges

Panaji, Feb 25 (PTI) Goa�s Leader of Opposition ManoharParrikar can now watch movies in the INOX multiplex here,seven years after it was constructed as he has been absolvedof charges of corruption by the CBI.

Parrikar, then Chief Minister of Goa, had vowed not toenter INOX multiplex till he was cleared off the charges. Hesaid today he was pleased at being absolved of all charges.

He was being probed for allegedly syphoning off money inthe construction of infrastructure for International filmfestival of India (IFFI) way back in 2004.

On Thursday, the Rajya Sabha was told that CBI hasdecided to close case against Parrikar as there was noevidence against him.

"Now I can see any good movie in the INOX multiplex.

I will invite you all also with me whenever I go," Parrikartold media persons.

The former Chief Minister and a BJP leader said that hehad never entered the multiplex since the time the Congresslegislator Mauvin Godinho filed case against him and it washanded over to CBI.

Parrikar was instrumental in constructing the multiplex,which was built in a record time of 180 days in the run up forthe preparations for IFFI 2004.

Talking about the charges, he said the state governmenthad misinformed Comptroller Auditor General about accounts ofIFFI, which had led to the confusion.

"The information was either hidden or manipulated whilebeing given to CAG," Parrikar said adding that the CAG nevernamed him as a culprit in the entire audit. .