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Govt rules out setting JPC to probe corruption in Customs case

The government on Friday ruled out setting up of a joint parliamentary committee to probe the alleged corruption in the Customs department. As the matter is already being thoroughly investigated, there is no need for a JPC, the Lok Sabha was informed.

Raising the demand, Naresh Pugalia (Cong) supported by his party colleagues during question hour said the issue related to national security and therefore it was imperative for a JPC to investigate the matter.

"The matter is being thoroughly investigated and therefore there is no need for JPC," Minister for Law, Justice and Company Affairs, Arun Jaitley said, replying on behalf of the finance minister.

He said B P Verma was appointed to the top post of Chairman of Central Board of Customs and Excise on the basis of his past excellent record.

"His record from 1991 to 1997 was excellent and very good and on this basis he was selected for the top post of chairman", Jaitley said.

"We took action immediately on receipt of an adverse report against him," he said.

The minister said that CBI has registered a case against Verma on the ground that he had shown favour to a private party.

During the course of searches, incriminating documents were seized, indicating that Verma was in possession of assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. He was arrested on April 1 by the CBI and has been placed under suspension.

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