Widen scope of probe into Tsunami funds misuse in Pondicherry: CPI (M)

Communist Party of India (Marxist) has appealed to the Central Bureau of Investigation to widen the scope of probe into irregularities in the construction of houses for tsunami-affected persons in Puducherry.

Addressing a joint press conference on Tuesday, Tamil Nadu State committee member of the party T. Murugan and secretary of the local unit of the CPI(M) V. Perumal said the irregularities should be investigated completely. The role of Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, under whose earlier tenure the tsunami rehabilitation process started, and former Chief Minister V. Vaithilingam and Ministers should also be investigated, they said.

While seeking the removal of Collector G. Ragesh Chandra, against whom the CBI is conducting an investigation, Mr. Perumal said one official alone cannot be held accountable for the irregularities. Pointing out that the Project Implementation Agency was governed by a seven-member committee, Mr. Murugan said all decisions were taken by the committee and the Collector was only a member.

The committee headed by Chief Secretary takes decisions on the works to be undertaken for tsunami rehabilitation, he said, adding that such decisions are implemented with the approval of government. The investigation should not be limited to a few officials, he added. Urging the government to issue a White Paper on the amount of money received by the territorial administration from Union government and other agencies, he said the party from the beginning had been complaining of misuse of funds earmarked for tsunami rehabilitation.

Mr. Perumal criticised the government for turning a blind eye to the blatant violation in displaying banners on the occasion of the Chief Minister's birthday. The CPI(M) sought to know from the government the rationale behind giving permission to erect banners when there was court order banning display of hoardings.

Mr.Murugan said the party would stage a demo in front of the Raj Nivas if Lieutenant Governor Iqbal Singh decided to give his customary address in the Assembly on August 18.