Tarun Gogoi orders inquiry into allegations of bribe by American company

GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today ordered an inquiry into allegations of bribe being paid by an American company to get jobs as consultants to Guwahati Water Supply Project.

Gogoi directed Additional Chief Secretary Subash Das to probe into the allegations that American company Louis Berger had paid bribes to government functionaries to be appointed as consultants, a statement issued by CMO's said here.

Gogoi has asked the additional chief secretary to submit the report soon and said if any prima facie evidence of bribe being given is found, the state government will refer the case to CBI.

It was reported that Louis Berger had paid bribe to government functionaries in Goa and Assam to get jobs as consultants in the implementation of water supply projects.

The concerned project in Assam is Guwahati Water Supply project which is being implemented by Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority with funds received under Japan International Cooperation Scheme.

Former Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma held the Guwahati Development Department portfolio when the consultants were selected.

Alleging that corruption in the government has become rampant during Congress-rule in the state, Opposition BJP demanded a CBI probe into the scam.

Those who received bribes must be brought to book, BJP spokesperson Bijon Mahajan said.

Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti leader Akhil Gogoi has also demanded a CBI probe into the alleged scam.