New Delhi: Amid reports that one of his
relatives was being investigated by Directorate of Revenue
Intelligence (DRI), Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today made
it clear that the probe into the matter would proceed in
accordance with the law "without let or hindrance".
Jasbir Singh Chattha, a close relative of the Prime
Minister, is a partner in Amritsar-based rice mill which was
raided by DRI last week. 55 rice containers meant for export
to Canada and Syria belonging to the mill were seized at the
Ludhiana dry port.
Sources alleged that some of the rice declared as
basmati actually turned out to be ordinary rice with the top
layer packed with basmati.
The sources said investigations were on in the case and
were trying to ascertain whether Chatha was aware of the
consignment to be exported.
In the wake of media reports in this connection, the
Prime Ministers office issued a statement. "The Prime Minister
has come to know of a press report that certain export
transaction of a relation of his is being looked into by the
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence.
"Neither the Prime Minister nor his office was aware of
this matter till their attention was drawn to the report. The
PM wishes to state emphatically that the probe into the
transaction would proceed in accordance with the law and the
laid down procedures without let or hindrance."
PTI
First Published: Friday, April 09, 2010, 00:24