Pushp Steel case: Baghel says charges on CM based on facts

Raipur, May 03, 2013

A day after chief minister Raman Singh dismissed allegations of his direct involvement in Pushp Steel case, state Congress general secretary Bhupesh Baghel on Friday reiterated his demand of CBI probe into the mater pointing that his charges against CM were completely based on evidence and facts. 

“I have already provided documental proof regarding the matter to Governor and police administration. However, the police did not take any action. I repeat my allegation that the CM was directly involved in this case and only an independent probe agency like CBI can unearth the truth,” Baghel said. 

He asked the BJP government to clarify on what basis it recommended form allocation of 1000 hectare iron-ore block to Pushp Steel when the latter had apparently mentioned in Rs 380 crore-MoU that over 75% of the fund would invested on those products in which iron-ore would not be used. 

He said the CM was making false claim that Siltara-based plant had been purchased by Pushp Steel as the latter had not purchased the plant after the Congress disclosed fake MoU case in 2007.

He asked if the government had given approval to Pushp Steel to buy Siltara-based plant then when did it recommended the Centre to change name of allottee (Pushp Steel) whom iron-ore and coal blocks had been allotted.

He said the government should also disclose the date when the bank issued notice to Pushp Steel when the latter failed to establish industrial unit on allotted land in industrial development centre Borai. 

Besides, he said the government must reveal the date when the allotted land was cancelled. He also sought information regarding current status of the land.

He further asked on whose directive the forest department had lent approval to Pushp Steel to chop about 30000 trees if the government had not leased iron-ore block to the company. 

He said the answers of his questions would only come to fore when an independent agency like CBI would investigate into the matter. “An impartial probe would also reveal CM’s involvement in the matter and grafts done in Pushp Steel case,” he added.

Demand of CBI probe has frightened CM: Cong

State Congress chief Nandkumar Patel and CLP leader Ravindra Choubey said demand of CBI probe into Pushp Steel case had frightened CM Raman Singh and therefore he hastened to negate the charges against him by giving wrong statements. 

“If the CM has courage then he should himself ask CBI to inquire into the case,” they said.