Bhubaneswar: The recommendation for CBI probe into sinking of MV Black Rose off the Paradip coast in September 2009 has created a political uproar in the state.
Opposition parties alleged involvement of a brother of an influential MLA of the ruling BJD, while the latter rubbished it.
State BJP vice-president Sameer Mohanty said close links of the sitting MLA of Jajpur with the issue had been highlighted by the media several times in the past. Dragging Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik into the issue, Mohanty alleged the legislator’s brother had business interests in the ship and he was even seen chauffeuring the CM during the centenary celebrations of the Jajpur municipality recently.
“Doesn’t this mean that the CM has given protection to the persons involved in the incident,” Mohanty added. Similarly, Congress leader Ashok Samal too slammed the ruling BJD over the issue. “All of us knew about the alleged involvement of a BJD MLA in the incident. As the leader is very close to the CM, no action has been taken against the leader.”
BJD vice-president Damodar Rout said, “The details of the case are available with the Paradip Port Trust. How has the Crime Branch (CB) failed to get the details when it was easily accessible through RTI?” “If CBI asks, I will reveal whatever I know. The Law minister might know who the owner of Black Rose is,” he said.
BJD spokesperson Pratap Keshari Deb said, this case was being probed by the CB which submitted the final charge sheet. The case is pending in the court, he added. “The letter by the Shipping Ministry for a CBI probe also mentions Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s recommendation. Why was the Centre not active for the past four years in this case, and why now?” Deb asked. Similarly, BJD leader Samir Das said, “It has become a habit of the Opposition parties to drag the CM in every issue.”
Meanwhile, PPT chairman Rinkesh Ray indicated involvement of several people in the incident. “The Black Rose had come to the port with forged documents. Several agencies and people are involved in the illegal shipping. I will cooperate with CBI in the investigation,” Ray said.
The Mongolia-flagged vessel was carrying 23,843 tonnes iron ore cargo apart from 947 metric tonnes of inflammable furnace oil. The sinking resulted in massive spill in September 2009.
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