PANAJI
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar ruled out politics behind Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) move to file FIR against Leader of Opposition Chandrakant ‘Babu' Kavlekar stating that prima facie there is enough evidence in favour of further investigation in the case.
Speaking to media persons, Parrikar said, "It's a standard procedure. They probably have found disproportionate assets, which is why they have taken action."
When asked if the move is politically motivated, he said, "Does Congress refute
factual position? I think Anti-Corruption Branch has already explained what is the level of disproportionate assets."
"Why should it be political? It is an FIR based on facts. The facts are there. If someone is refuting the facts, he can give the evidence of it."
When asked about the delay in filing FIR, the chief minister said:
"They took time to collect the documents and translate them. If you ask me, they took more time than required. But I feel ultimately they have completed the probe and now they have filed an FIR. Initially it was just a preliminary inquiry. Another reason for delay was that there was a delay in receiving official translation. They need official translation as document."
When asked if Kavlekar resign as an MLA, he said, "I don't feel so till the court proves him guilty. But it is for the Congress to decide. FIR is basically for the purpose of investigation.
Preliminary inquiry indicated and enough investigation was carried out with the concerned.
They found that he cannot explain properly the reasons for such huge assets. Basic fact remains that what he declared with the Election Commission and what he has in his name differs by some 500 per cent.
There is a difference of about Rs 10 crore. So, obviously preliminary inquiry indicated prima facie strong evidence in favour of further investigation."
That's why FIR has been lodged so that further investigation is carried out and then if enough evidences are available, charge sheet will be filed."
"Why should it be political? It is an FIR based on facts. The facts are there. If someone is refuting the facts, he can give the evidence of it."
When asked about the delay in filing FIR, the chief minister said:
"They took time to collect the documents and translate them. If you ask me, they took more time than required. But I feel ultimately they have completed the probe and now they have filed an FIR. Initially it was just a preliminary inquiry. Another reason for delay was that there was a delay in receiving official translation. They need official translation as document."
When asked if Kavlekar resign as an MLA, he said, "I don't feel so till the court proves him guilty. But it is for the Congress to decide. FIR is basically for the purpose of investigation.
Preliminary inquiry indicated and enough investigation was carried out with the concerned.
They found that he cannot explain properly the reasons for such huge assets. Basic fact remains that what he declared with the Election Commission and what he has in his name differs by some 500 per cent.
There is a difference of about Rs 10 crore. So, obviously preliminary inquiry indicated prima facie strong evidence in favour of further investigation."
That's why FIR has been lodged so that further investigation is carried out and then if enough evidences are available, charge sheet will be filed."
