CBI to quiz leaders in ambulance scam

The CBI, probing the ambulance scam of Rajasthan, is now preparing to question some state-level politicians in connection with the case. The agency has already booked former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot, senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot and sons of two former union ministers in connection with the case. Sources said, “After analysing documents, recovered during searches, the CBI is now planning to record the statements of certain politicians in the case. The agency may start their (politicians) examination after December 15.”

Sources, however, refused to divulge the identities of the politicians who will be summoned by the agency. The CBI has recorded the statements of two directors of a private firm, they added. The CBI on August 28 registered a case against Mr Gehlot, Mr Pilot and sons of two former union ministers, including Ravi Krishna, in connection with the ambulance scam. It also named Mr Karthi Chidmabaram, son of senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram. The case dates back to July last year after the BJP government came in power in the state.

The Rajasthan police had registered a criminal case in this regard on the complaint of city mayor Pankaj Joshi. The CBI alleged irregularities in the award of tender of ambulance services in favour of Ziquitza Healthcare Private Ltd by deliberately inserting technical specifications and irregularities in the implementation of the project.