Oppn doubts Odisha govt’s deadline on DQ probe

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Apr 17:

Opposition Congress and BJP have expressed doubts over Odisha government’s deadline to concerned departments to conclude the ongoing probe into the multiple allotments of flats/plots under discretionary quota (DQ) scheme in two-three months.

“Many leaders of the ruling party, ministers, MLAs have illegally availed plots. Sixteen months have elapsed since the government decided to implement the recommendation of the special task force. Not even plots allotted to 16 of them have been cancelled. Though they have accepted the recommendation in-principle, they are scared to take action on it,” said Sarat Rout commenting on the state government issuing a deadline to concerned departments to complete the probe within two-three months.

The BJP today again reiterated its demand for a CBI probe into the matter and sought stringent action against the guilty.

“We demand whosoever have committed illegalities should be punished. We had from day one demanded handing over of the probe to the CBI. We have no second opinion on this. Whosoever is involved in corruption has to be punished heavily,” said Samir Mohanty, vice-president BJP state unit.

On the other hand, BJD claimed that the state government is taking action on the basis of the recommendation of the special task force.

“After allegations surfaced about irregularities having been committed, the government constituted special task force. The government is locating who have availed plots illegally. It is under process and has reached the final stage. I feel there won’t be much delay,” said Amar Satpathy, spokesperson of the ruling BJD.