Mumbai: Former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal today (Jan 17, 2004) alleged that Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing the multi-crore fake stamp racket, has "missed its track" and was harassing him and his family members.

"A systematic attempt has been made to ruin my political and personal life," Bhujbal told reporters at a hurriedly-called press conference.

SIT, instead of probing the Telgi scam, was settling personal scores in the police force, he alleged.

Referring to a petition in court challenging the appointment of S S Puri as SIT chief, he said, "The investigating agency should go slow in its probe till the matter was resolved."

When asked why he was targetting SIT, he said nearly two-and-half months ago, he had come to a conclusion that SIT was taking a different course than prescribed. The Government had then decided to hand over the probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Replying to a query about his nephew Sameer Bhujbal, who is abroad, he said, "Sameer will come and appear before SIT soon."

Bhujbal said those behind the stamp scam were still roaming free and demanded action against them.

Reiterating that he was not involved in the scam, he said he was not afraid to come before SIT.

"Hang me if I am guilty," he added.