Terming the alleged blanket scam similar to the fodder scam, Food and PDS Minister Saryu Roy has demanded a high level investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigations or any other independent Central agency. Roy, writing a letter to Chief Minister Raghubar Das on Thursday, said that since the modus operandi of both scams were almost similar, therefore to win confidence of the people, it needs to be investigated by an independent agency.
“Despite directions of Development Commissioner to get it investigated by Anti-Corruption Bureau around a month back, no breakthrough has come till date in this regard, therefore I think it needs to be investigated by CBI or any other competent investigation agency,” stated Roy. When looked into the details of blanket scam, it appears that the modus operandi of perpetrators were the same as adopted in the infamous fodder scam, therefore it is the need of the hour that this Jharcraft scam must be taken seriously so that a positive message goes among the people, he added.
“The message must not go among the people that those people who have made the accused persons of fodder scam behind the bars, have not been able to take action in own matters. A high level investigation must be done in the light of directions given by Development Commissioner and action must be taken against those found involved in it prima facie,” stated Roy in his letter. A negative message was being propagated among the people due to the delay being done in taking action in this regard, he added.
Referring to media reports that serious allegations and counter allegations were made among the Jharkcraft CEO and Industry Director after former tendered her resignation, Roy said that it was unfortunate that no action was taken even after such allegations were made public through media.
“In such circumstances, resignation of Jharkhcraft CEO should not be accepted which will give a message among the people that the State Government was trying to protect them, therefore action must be taken after lodging an FIR in this case,” stated the letter. Meanwhile, it should also be put under the scanner that on which circumstances and on the basis of what specialization, she was appointed as CEO of Jharcraft, he added.
Roy further stated that though these irregularities were being continued for quite some time which was also indicated by the Accountant General’s Examiner on the basis of which Development Commissioner took cognizance into it and directed to take action in this regard.
“Surprisingly, it did not come into the notice of Industry Secretary, who is also Secretary in Chief Minister’s Office,” Roy stated. It should also be revealed whether someone deliberately did not allow the information come into his notice, or the Industry Department is remained irresponsible towards it, stated the letter.