Stung by the criticism from the Opposition over the absence of any reference to high-profile persons in the first information report (FIR) filed on the gutka scam case, the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti Corruption (DVAC) on Tuesday made it clear that it would “not spare” the guilty as “detailed investigations are under way.”
Suggesting that there are insinuations that no others would be cited as accused, an official handling the case said that on the basis of statements obtained from the Income Tax department, 17 officials of various departments and wings of the government have been booked initially.
“We are keen on presenting solid evidence to the Madras High Court against all those identified by us as the guilty. This is to ensure that our case stands the scrutiny of the court,” the official said.
HC accepts plea
Meanwhile, the Madras High Court accepted a request made on behalf of DMK legislator J. Anbazhagan for early hearing of a case filed by him seeking constitution of a special investigation team to probe the gutkha scam, since it was reported that the DVAC had not included any Minister or top-level police officials in the FIR registered in connection with the scam.
Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice M. Sundar acceded to the request for early hearing made by Senior Counsel P. Wilson and directed the High Court Registry to list the case on October 23.