Thursday, August 11 2005 19:00 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Government may consider ordering a CBI probe, if necessary, on reports that seven tankers loaded with diesel for the army were found carrying water, Petroleum Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar said today (August 11, 2005).

"As soon as we receive the report of the vigilance inquiry of the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), we can consider an inquiry by the CBI, if necessary, besides other steps required," the Minister said in reply to a short notice question in Lok Sabha.

Observing that the internal vigilance report of the IOC would be available in the next few days, he said, "If at that stage we feel that a CBI inquiry was required to get more information than we have received, there will be no problem in referring the matter to appropriate authorities."

According to preliminary reports, the theft of high-speed diesel was taking place en route from the IOC terminal at Ambala to Field Petroleum Depot of the army in Leh, he said, adding the major cause of concern was the siphoning off of petrol and diesel required for armed forces.

The forensic report was yet to be received by the Ministry which would conclusively prove as to what was taken out of the tanker trucks, Aiyar said, adding, "We can't jump to conclusions."

He said the Commanding Officer of Army's Leh depot had informed the IOC on July 16, 2005 about the incident.

"The Ministry asked IOC to get an immediate inquiry conducted through their Chief Vigilance Officer. Suitable necessary action will be taken after the matter has been inquired into," the Minister added.