Goa police drag feet on US bribery case

Just like Luis Berger bribery case, a report has surfaced in which a US-based consultancy has confessed before the US Justice Department of paying bribe in crores of rupees to unknown officials to get a water project contract in Goa between 2011 and 2015. In Luis Berger bribery case, Goa police took cognizance of media report and even arrested former PWD Minister Churchill Alemao. But, this time Goa police are dragging their feet.

In July 2015, on the basis of that media report Crime Branch Registered FIR and 5-6 teams of Crime Branch flew to the different parts of India and arrested Luis Berger officials and a Hawala operator. Then BJP government had praised the swift action of the Crime Branch.

Now, another report has surfaced in which another US based consultancy firm CDM Smith has admitted before the US Justice Department of paying a bribe of $25,000 to some officials to get a water project contract in Goa. But, contrary to Luis Berger episode, Goa police are yet to initiate any action.

When contacted, a couple of senior police officers said an inquiry can be initiated only on the basis of state government issuing necessary directions.

Meanwhile, Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari has directed the National Highway Authority of India to conduct an inquiry into the bribery allegations involving NHAI officials.