Date:06/10/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/10/06/stories/2005100607691200.htm

National

CBI probe into tender scam demanded

Staff Reporter

BHUBANESWAR: The Orissa Gana Parishad on Wednesday demanded a CBI inquiry into the tender fixing scam being investigated by the Crime Branch of the State police.

At a press conference, the Parishad president and former Minister, Bijay Mohapatra, said there had been irregularities in awarding the tenders in the Irrigation Department and the Crime Branch could not conduct a fair investigation since Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was holding the portfolios of Home and Irrigation.

The Opposition parties have demanded a CBI probe into the scam, but Mr. Patnaik has been sticking to his stand that the Crime Branch was doing a good job. Five contractors have been arrested in the case.