BJP demands CBI probe in UttaraKhand flood relief scam

DEHRADUN: BJP today alleged that by not recommending a CBI probe into alleged scam in relief operations during 2013 flashfloods, the Uttarakhand government has tried to sweep the matter under the carpet and sought a probe by the central agency.

"When glaring financial irregularities have been found in spending of funds meant for relief operations in the state and the information commissioner has strongly recommended a CBI probe into it, it is difficult to understand why the chief minister has ordered a chief secretary level investigation into the loot," Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Ajay Bhatt said.

Asserting that the BJP cannot stay content with anything less than a CBI probe into the case, he said the chief minister should recommend an investigation by the apex agency into it or step down.

"Ordering a probe by the Chief Secretary into a loot of this scale makes the state government's intentions suspect.It is an attempt to sweep the matter under the carpet. It also gives credence to doubts that officials who indulged in the loot did it with the connivance of government functionaries," Bhatt said.

Bhatt said if there is any morality left in the state government it should immediately order a CBI probe into the matter or resign.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat who has ordered a chief secretary level probe into the matter already recently said it did not deserve a CBI probe.