Louis Berger case: Ex-CM Kamat to appear before crime branch

The US company Louis Berger bribed the ministers to win consultancy for water augmentation and sewerage line project executed under JICA funding, when Digambar Kamat was heading Goa.

Former Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat would appear before the crime branch at around 3pm on Wednesday in connection with Louis Berger bribery case. Kamat, who was summoned on Tuesday, had failed to appear before the investigating officer.

The company Louis Berger has been charged with bribing Indian officials $976,000 to win two major water developmental projects in Goa and Guwahati. (Photo courtesy- louisberger.com)

Since the Congress leader is an MLA and the House is in session, the summons was routed through the Assembly Speaker. Kamat said he will cooperate with the agencies.

"I will go to crime branch today. I have nothing to hide," said Kamat, who was heading the state between 2007-2012 when Louis Berger company reportedly paid bribe.

The US company bribed the ministers to win consultancy for water augmentation and sewerage line project executed under JICA (Japan International cooperation agency) funding.

Crime branch on Tuesday had questioned former public works department minister Churchill Alemao. Police have already arrested A Wachasunder, a senior official who headed the controversial JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) water project in Goa that is at the centre of the pay off case.

His bail application will be heard by a local court on Wednesday afternoon.