New Delhi: Warning that the massive Telgi stamp paper scam could be part of "economic terrorism" to destabilise India, Opposition and National Democratic Alliance (NDA) members today (Dec 19, 2003) cut across party lines in the Lok Sabha, demanding a probe into the beneficiaries of the scandal by involving revenue and auditing departments.

They sought immediate corrective measures by Government by introducing an alternative system to replace stamp paper, as the estimated amount involved in the scandal could be to the tune of Rs 60,000 crore.

"Where did the money go? Was it pumped into the film industry, to buy real estate or sent abroad through hawala channels? Who were the beneficiaries? Were politicians and business houses were part of the network of accused Abdul Rashid Telgi?

"All these must be found out through investigation in which Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) and revenue departments should be involved," demanded Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member Kirit Somaiya while initiating a special discussion on the scam under Rule 193, which does not entail voting.

Maintaining that the investigation into the scandal should be "streamlined", Somaiya regretted that people were losing faith in police with former Mumbai police commissioner and a joint commissioner in jail in connection with the scam.

The BJP member said like the fake currency racket, the probe should also find out whether the stamp paper scandal was part of "economic terrorism" aimed at destabilising the country. "If this is not done, people may lose trust in the economic system," he cautioned.

PTI



Related Links
Mother of All Scams: The Bermuda Triangle!