VS demands CBI probe into '108 ambulance scam' in Kerala

CPI(M) veteran and state Opposition leader V S Achuthanandan today demanded a CBI probe into the alleged corruption and cheating in connection with the 108 ambulance project of Ziqitza Health Care, in Kerala.
Achuthanandan's demand came in the wake of the agency registering a case against Congress leaders Ashok Gehlot, Sachin Pilot, Karthi Chidambaram and Ravi Krishna, sons of former Union ministers P Chidambaram and Vayalar Ravi respectively, in the controversial ambulance scam in Rajasthan.
"As the Rajasthan government has ordered a CBI probe into a similar corruption case there, such an inquiry has become relevant in Kerala also," the Marxist veteran said in a statement here.

He said the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General had references on the corruption in connection with the awarding of the ambulance service contract to Ziqitza Health Care in Rajasthan.
"Allegations had been raised against the same company in Kerala also in connection with the 108 ambulance project," he said.
Besides the sons of former Union ministers, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy's former financial advisor Shafi Mehtar had also come under criticism in the issue in the state, he said.
The nonagenarian leader alleged that attempts were on to sabotage the case in Kerala as it had got inter-state ramifications and those involved are politically and financially influential.

"Under such circumstances, investigation of the case should be handed over to CBI," he demanded.