Bhujbal not against handing over stamp racket probe to CBI

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal on Friday said he is not against handing over the probe into the multi-crore fake stamp paper racket to the Central Bureau of Investigation but said the Special Investigation Team has done a commendable job.

"A decision has to be taken by the chief minister, who heads the government, and the Bombay high court, which is also looking into the matter," Bhujbal, who also holds the home portfolio, told PTI in Mumbai. "However, no doubts should be raised about the integrity of the police force."

Also Read The Stamp of Corruption Fake Stamp Paper Racket

The Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by former DGP S S Puri, is doing an 'excellent job' under the supervision of the Bombay high court, he said. "It is not proper to distrust the police force and hand over the probe to the CBI. But if there is some other consideration, than I will not oppose the move."

Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani had on Thursday wondered why the state governments of Maharashtra and Karnataka, from where the scam originated, are 'reluctant' to hand over the probe to the CBI.

The Congress and the NCP, the main partners of the ruling Democratic Front, appeared divided over the issue with the former opposing the CBI probe while the Sharad Pawar-led outfit stating that it is not averse to the idea.