Lokayukta favours probe by ACB or CBI in beach cleaning scam

The Goa Lokayukta has suggested a probe either by the state Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) or the CBI into alleged irregularities in awarding beach cleaning contract to two private firms during the tenure of the Laxmikant Parsekar government.
The anti-corruption ombudsman had started an inquiry into the alleged multi-crore beach cleaning scam after the then independent MLA Rohan Khaunte and two others, including social activist Aires Rodrigues, filed separate complaints with it.
Khaunte is now the state's revenue minister.
The complainants had alleged gross violation of norms in award of contract by the Parsekar government (November 2014 March 2017) for cleaning Goa's beaches to two firms - Ram Cleaners & Developers Pvt Ltd and Bhumika Clear Tech Services.

"The ACB should reopen the investigation, particularly keeping in view the possibility of a conspiracy and (payment of) any kickback.
"The question of referring the matter to the CBI for investigation may be considered by the (state) government," said an order by Lokayukta Justice P K Misra issued on September 11, a copy of which is with PTI.

The complaints filed before the Lokayukta had alleged the scam was worth Rs 14 crore.
This was the first graft case filed before Justice Misra after he took charge on May 5, 2016.
Khaunte had filed his complaint based on documents procured under the Right to Information Act.