Congress government turns down BJP demand for CBI probe into bank scam

BANGALORE: Congress government in Karnataka today turned down BJP's demand for a CBI probe into the alleged misappropriation of funds in the Amanath Cooperative Bank.

Speaking during zero hour in the Legislative Assembly, BJP floor leader and former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar alleged that there has been reference to Union Minority Affairs Minister Rehman Khan regarding the issue. Khan had been chairman of the bank in the past.

After the matter was raised by Basaravaj Bommai (BJP), Shettar pointed out that even former Railway Minister and senior Congress leader C K Jaffer Sharief had demanded a probe by the premier investigation agency.

Cooperation Minister H S Mahadava Prasad said as per RBI report, the irregularities were to the tune of Rs 102 crore in the bank and investigation has been conducted into three cases.

"Criminal cases have been filed," the Minister said, without elaborating.

He said the government would take further action once the ongoing process is completed.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah chose to take a dig at the opposition BJP.

"How many times have you ordered a CBI inquiry? Why are you harping on CBI inquiry now," he asked.

Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa asked the BJP as to why it did not order a CBI probe as it was in power before the Congress government assumed office two months ago.