Date:01/07/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/07/01/stories/2007070150530700.htm

National

BJP seeks CBI probe into CD scam

Staff Correspondent

SHIMLA: The Himachal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party led by Shanta Kumar and Prem Kumar Dhumal has submitted a memorandum to the State Governor, V.S. Kokje, seeking a CBI enquiry into the controversial CD scam involving corruption charges against the Chief Minister and a Congress Member of Parliament.

The BJP delegation that met Mr. Kokje demanded a probe by the CBI or a sitting High Court judge.

The Opposition leaders alleged that the 24-minute audio tape hinted at money transactions being discussed by the Chief Minister, his wife and a senior IAS officer.

The memorandum also alleged that a suitcase containing Rs 1.5 crore was stolen from the Chief Minister’s office by a security guard and no complaint was lodged.

The case had been hushed up without clarifying how this loaded suitcase reached the Chief Minister’s office, it alleged.

The private secretary to the Chief Minister had been transferred to divert public attention from corruption in his office, the BJP charged.

“The CM’s office is still involved in giving government jobs to its clique from the backdoor,” it added.