Bribery charge against IGP to be probed: Goa CM

Amid demands for an independent probe into the allegation of bribery against the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar today said an inquiry would be conducted into it, but not by the police department.
"The allegations levelled against the IGP are of serious nature. The inquiry would be independent and impartial. It won't be by the police department," he told the Legislative Assembly on the last day of the Monsoon Session here.
Vasco-based businessman Munnalal Halwai yesterday accused IGP Sunil Garg of accepting bribe of Rs 5.5 lakh in instalments last year for registering an FIR in a cheating case. However, the IGP has denied the charge.

Halwai, also filed a formal complaint against the IGP with the Chief Minister, the Anti-Corruption Bureau, besides moving a separate petition before a special court alleging that Garg accepted bribe from him in instalments.
Raising the issue during the Zero Hour, BJP MLA Nilesh Cabral said the allegation is of "serious nature" and these need to be investigated on priority basis.
"The allegations are against a top level official. We need to investigate it on priority basis with all seriousness," Cabral said.
Leader of Opposition Pratapsinh Rane said the accusation should be thoroughly investigated and also an inquiry set up against the person who paid the bribe.

Outside the Assembly, AAP demanded an inquiry into the matter, while Goa Forward Party sought Garag's suspension.