CBI to close case against Parrikar in 2004 IFFI scam

Quoting a reply given by Minister of State in the PMO, V Narayanswamy in Rajya Sabha, Goa MP Shantaram Naik today said "there is no evidence against Parrikar". "The investigation against the ex-chief minister of Goa is complete and evidence has not been found to be sufficient to prosecute him in the case, and as such, a closure report is being filed," Narayanswamy told Naik in the reply.

The Leader of Opposition in Goa Assembly was accused of siphoning crores of rupees in constructing infrastructure for IFFI in 2004 when he held the reigns of the state. The case was based on the findings of Comptroller Auditor General (CAG), which had recently dropped all the charges against the BJP leader.

The CBI was probing Parrikar under relevant sections of IPC and Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, for irregularities during setting up of IFFI infrastructure. The complaint against Parrikar was filed by Congress legislator and current Deputy Speaker Mauvin Godinho.

In a statement issued today, Naik said the closure report if and when filed by the CBI, in the court, should be opposed since granting of land belonging to Goa government and crores of rupees to a private party to build a cinema theatre, itself attracts several penal provisions.