The CBI has registered a case against a former chairman and three serving officials of Kandla Port Trust (KPT) in connection with a multi-crore-rupee land scam.
The disclosure was made by the standing counsel of the agency, Vikas Pahwa, before the Delhi high court division bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justice Manmohan.
The CBI also informed the court that the agency had already sought permission from the Centre to prosecute the KPT officials.
“Further investigations are on in the case,” the CBI told the court. The CBI has booked former chairman A.J. Rao, K.C. Vyas and another serving official for their alleged involvement in the multi-crore-rupee scam.
The court was hearing a petition filed by an NGO, Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL), which alleged that over 16,000 acres of port land was allegedly leased out by KPT officials to select individuals for minimal rent.
According to the petition, the Union ministry of shipping knew of the scam involving KPT officials.
“The beneficiaries of the scam are a few industrialists and hoteliers in the state [Gujarat] and some officials in the [shipping] ministry and KPT,” the petition said.
The court, however, posted the matter for further hearing on August 11.
Among those against whom the CBI has registered a case is the then KPT chief vigilance officer M. Kumar, who had blown the lid off the scam in which private salt companies were allowed to use 16,000 acres of port land even after the expiry of lease years ago.