Investors fear political cloud over IMA

Bengaluru: The question whether the probe into the IMA scandal that runs into several thousand crores will be affected as soon as the new political setup takes charge is being discussed widely in public circles. The speedy investigation that saw top bureaucrats being arrested and the powerful politicians belonging to the Congress being called into interrogation will now face a road block is the fear gripping the investors.

Mr Roshan Baig, a powerful Congress politician from Shivajinagar, who was interrogated, has now switched to the BJP, which has formed the government. Investors are now apprehensive as to how things will shape up in the coming days.

JD(S) leader and retired police officer Lokeshwar explained that if the officers looking into the case are changed, definitely the investigation will be disturbed. Whether the new government asks the same officers to continue the probe or deploys other officers, the intention of those in power will determine the direction and speed of the probe, he said.

Police Commissioner Alok Kumar explained that the police have followed the path of law. “There is no grudge against any individual while investigating the case. Political developments which required heavy deployment of policemen will not hamper investigation and policing in the city. I held meetings with CCB officers on Thursday and Friday. Crime detection is the bread and butter of the police," he said.

Mr Girish S, DCP (Crime), allayed fears of diversion in the investigation with the change in the government. “There is no chance of investigation getting hampered. Investigation is investigation. There will be no change in the course of the investigation into the IMA fraud. It is scientific and no one can change it. People are indulging in loose talk. Overnight results are not possible in any case. We have to look into the roles of different people in the case," he said.