Louis Berger bribery: Former Goa minister Churchill Alemao arrested

PANAJI: Former Goa Public Works Department minister Churchill Alemao has been arrested in connection with the Louis Berger bribery case.

Alemao was picked up from his residence in Varca village at around 10.30 P.M. and was officially placed under arrest at midnight.

Superintendent of Police (Crime Branch), Kartik Kashyap, confirmed the arrest, but refused to divulge any details.

Along with former Goa chief minister Digambar Kamat, Alemao has been questioned by Crime branch in connection with the Louis Berger bribery case.

The officials of the US-based company had confessed to paying bribe to Indian minister for winning consultancy of Water Augmentation and Sewerage pipeline project under Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Crime Branch officials claimed that Alemao's role in accepting the bribe is established, which is why he has been arrested for further investigation. He would be taken for a medical check-up during wee hours today, they said.

Kamat has already moved an anticipatory bail plea with the local court and the matter would be heard on August 7. The Crime Branch has already arrested JICA Goa Project Director Anand Wachasunder and former Vice President of Louis Berger Satyakam Mohanty in connection with the case.