Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP) 

Bengaluru, Sep 16: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which has been questioning IMA scam prime accused, Mansoor Khan, reportedly has been told by him that former minister, R V Deshpande, had received gold from Mansoor Khan in connection with the scam. It is said that the CBI, which has taken serious note of this allegation, plans to question Deshpande shortly by serving notice. 

There have been allegations about the involvement of some ministers and officers of the previous government in the said scam. Names of Bengaluru city district deputy commissioner, former minister, Roshan Baig and some high ranking officials had emerged as possible persons who helped Khan in perpetrating the fraud on gullible investors. 

IMA scam was entrusted to CBI investigation after the Yediyurappa-led BJP government rose to power in the state. It is said that Mansoor had entered into understanding with some ministers to cover up the scam. He approached Deshpande at the latter's residence through Roshan Baig, and Deshpande, the then revenue minister, reportedly helped the case to go wayward by ensuring that the deputy commissioner and assistant commissioner of the city district to issue clean chit to the concern. In return to this help, it is said, Khan told the officials that Deshpande was paid five crore rupees in the form of gold biscuits. 

After the revenue department asked the officials to investigate the alleged scam, deputy commissioner, Vijayashankar, had asked the assistant commissioner to proceed in the matter. The assistant commissioner who looked into the matter, reported that no such scam had happened. There were allegations that the deputy commissioner and some ministers were paid bribe. 

Deshpande clarifies

R V Deshpande agreed that Mansoor Khan had visited his home through Roshan Baig, duly asserting that he had not received any money or gold as reported by some media. He said that if the investigating agencies serve notice on him, he would share whatever information he has with the investigating officers. 

Governor helped Baig?

A letter purported to have been issued by Karnataka Governor, Vajubhai Vala, to allow free movement to the scam-accused Roshan Baig has become viral in social websites. After the special investigating team took Baig into custody from the international airport here on July 16, the Governor reportedly had written to the head of the special investigating team, Ravikanthe Gowda, asking him to take suitable steps to enable Baig to move about freely. The special investigating team had investigated the allegation that Mansoor Khan had paid money to Baig, collected supporting evidences and handed over all the information and documents to CBI.