ACB begins probe against Goa Speaker in land deal

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of the Goa Police today began a preliminary inquiry into the purchase of a piece of land by state Legislative Assembly Speaker Rajendra Arlekar on the outskirts of Panaji.
The ACB officials sought details in connection with the matter from social activist Aires Rodrigues, who had earlier filed a complaint against the Speaker.
Superintendent of Police (ACB) Bosco George said details have been sought from Rodrigues in support of his allegations against Arlekar.
Rodrigues, who is also a lawyer, has alleged that money invested by Arlekar to buy a property at the outskirts of Panaji was disproportionate to his known source of income.

He alleged that Rs 72 lakh was paid by the Speaker to purchase the land ad measuring 500 square metres.
Quoting the sale deed, Rodrigues had said that the land was purchased from a Delhi-based journalist.
"Sale deed does not reveal the mode of payment, whether it was paid in cash, cheque or draft," he said in an application.
Arlekar was not available for comments, despite attempts to contact him.