New Delhi: In his first public reaction to the murder of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) engineer Satyendra Dubey, who was involved in the Prime Minister's "dream" National Highway Project, Atal Bihari Vajpayee tonight (Dec 9, 2003) said he was "shocked and saddened" by the incident, but asserted that criminals or vested interests would not allowed to go scot free.

"Like all right-thinking Indians, I am shocked and saddened by the murder of Satyendra Dubey, an upright and dedicated officer working with NHAI who was killed recently in Gaya, Bihar.

"The case has been already handed over to the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation). Those responsible for his death, wherever they may be, will not be spared," Vajpayee said, while sending his condolences to the bereaved family.

In a statement, the Prime Minister said the National Highway project was a "great dream" not merely for him but for the entire nation.

Vajpayee said, "Thanks to the efforts of talented engineers like Dubey, it has made remarkable progress already and my Government is committed to ensuring that those working on it complete it without any fear."

He said the outpouring sympathy for Dubey from across the world showed that Indians, wherever they were, had a commitment to honesty and transparency and a significant stake in the country's future. "The Government shares that commitment and appreciates their concern."

Recalling his recent visit to IIT, the institute where Dubey got his education, the Prime Minister said, "It was inspiring to see the talent, sense of hope and commitment among the students and the faculty. We can't let criminals or vested interests weaken that spirit."

PTI