National

Fernandes denies role in coffin purchases

BALLIA (Uttar Pradesh), FEB. 18. The Defence Minister, George Fernandes, today said he had nothing do with the procurement of coffins for armed forces' martyrs and accused the Opposition of demoralising the forces by dragging his name in the purchases.

Mr. Fernandes, addressing a string of election meetings here, said his political life had always been ``above board'' and no allegations of corruption could ever be proved against him. On the coffins issue, he said the purchases were only to the tune of Rs. 1 crore while according to rules only files concerning purchases over Rs. 50 crores needed to be referred to him.

He alleged that some foreign forces were providing monetary support to the opposition and were engaged in weakening the country. ``From where Samajwadi party is getting money to hire helicopters for electioneering,?'' Mr. Fernandes asked. _ PTI

`Lapses' in security

PTI reports from Guwahati:

An inquiry by the Director-General of Police (DGP) into the security cover provided to the Defence Minister during his recent visit to Assam has found several lapses in the arrangement.

According to the DGP's report, which was submitted today, there were ``various lapses'' when the Minister was travelling through Kamrup district on Friday without any police escort. Mr. Fernandes travelled in a hired car which hit an autorickshaw resulting in minor injury to him.

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