Cong presses for CBI probe into Orissa Dal Scam

NEW DELHI: The Congress today stepped up pressure for a CBI probe into the multi-crore dal scam in Orissa, which has already led to the ouster of a Minister from the BJD government.

Party leader and Rajya Sabha MP from the State Rama Chandra Khuntia met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and submitted a memorandum demanding a CBI probe into the scam.

He also gave a memorandum to AICC President Sonia Gandhi.

In a statement, he alleged that with high officials and the minister involved in the scam, "the state vigilance may not have enough courage to give a report which may go against the Orissa Government".

The BJD government had come under attack from opposition Congress and BJP in the wake of the scam detected by the vigilance wing of the state in the purchase of pulses for anganwadi, mid-day meal and food nutrition programme.

Women and Child Development Minister Pramila Mallick resigned last month after the scam came to light.