The Hindu : Bhujbal's interference in scam probe alleged

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Dec 13, 2003

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National

Bhujbal's interference in scam probe alleged

Nagpur Dec. 12 . The fake stamp paper scam probe in Maharashtra today took a new turn today with the Opposition producing a letter in the Assembly purportedly written by an accused from jail to the Governor, Mohammed Fazal, alleging interference of the Deputy Chief Minister, Chhagan Bhujbal, and his nephew in the probe.

The Leader of the Opposition, Narayan Rane, raised the issue in the House waving a copy of the letter written by a police inspector, Dilip Kamath, to the Governor in which he had alleged that the prime accused in the scam, Abdul Karim Telgi, was kept in a lock-up in Dharavi at the behest of Mr. Bhujbal and his nephew, Sameer.

Amidst uproarious scenes, the Opposition members moved into the well of the House and disrupted proceedings.

The House witnessed two adjournments.

The Speaker, Arun Gujarathi, rejected Mr. Rane's demand for a discussion on the issue and said the scam probe was already discussed and it cannot be allowed for a second time.

The NCP leader and Minister for Energy, Dilip Walse-Patil, defending Mr. Bhujbal, said the letter's authenticity would have to be checked and it should be handed over to the CBI since the Government had decided to transfer the case to the agency.

"This is a conspiracy against me and my Government and allegations are made to malign my image," Mr. Bhujbal later told reporters.

PTI

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