Louis Berger case: Will leave politics if found involved, says Tarun Gogoi

Guwahati: Announcing a CID inquiry into the alleged Louis Berger bribery case, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said on Monday that he would leave politics if his involvement was proven and that the then minister concerned was accountable if the allegation was true.

Stating that he had received files of all departments and the final signatory was the chief minister, Gogoi told a press conference in Guwahati, "I cannot go through all the details of all files. No CM or PM can do that. Concerned ministers and officials are responsible. Usually I look whether the proper process is followed or not.”

He further added, "If bribe is paid during the process, how would I know? I knew nothing about it. BJP is saying I was involved. If anybody can prove my involvement in it, then I'll leave politics." When asked who is responsible for the alleged bribery case, Gogoi said, "The main accountability is of the minister of that time. He takes direct decision. He looks into all the issues. If all has to be done by the CM, then what is the use of a minister?" He, however, did not take any name of any minister or officials. "I am not going to safeguard the guilty. I'll punish all those who are involved. One must have the guts to take responsibility," Gogoi said.

Former minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who later led the dissident faction of the party, held the Guwahati Development Department portfolio when Louis Berger was selected as a consultant for the Guwahati Water Supply project, being implemented by the GMDA with funds received under the Japan International Cooperation Scheme.

While the US Department of Justice found Louis Berger guilty of paying bribes to Indian officials, including ministers, for a water supply project in Goa, the only other such project the firm was implementing was in Guwahati, and a strong allegation was made against this too.

Gogoi announced an inquiry by the CID into the bribery allegation on recommendation of the report by Additional Chief Secretary Subash Das. "Das in his report said prima facie there is some substance and the case should be thoroughly enquired. He has suggested a CID probe as the case would involve a wide range of investigation and it might extend to the US also. So it was impossible for him to do it alone," he said.

Last month, Gogoi had ordered an inquiry into the allegations made by Das. He, however, turned down the BJP's demand for a CBI probe saying that the party's government in Goa had ordered a CID inquiry into the case. "Our CID department is very good and they are very confident," Gogoi said.