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CBI told to quicken probe into illegal export of titanium alloy to Pakistan

Defence Minister George Fernandes today said the Central Bureau of Investigation had been asked to expedite the investigation into the case of pilferage of 1,000 kg of titanium alloy from Bombay which is suspected to have been exported to Pakistan.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Fernandes said the CBI had been asked to submit its findings as early as possible.

CBI: Two separate FIRs have been registered by the CBI regarding the case where the controller of defence accounts detected huge payments of around Rs 83.7 million made against fake sanctions and bogus contingent bills to two private firms, Fernandes said in another written reply.

He said simultaneously, departmental action had been initiated against officials involved in the case and remedial action to avoid such lapses in the future had started.

Aircraft: Reasons were being ascertained for the delay in the induction of the second batch of Su-30 aircraft in the Indian Air Force. Efforts were being made to expedite the delivery, Fernandes said.

Foreign trawlers: Thirtytwo trawlers from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Myanmar, Malaysia, Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia and China were apprehended while illegally fishing in India's territorial waters in the first five months of this year, Fernandes said in a written reply.

Pak missiles: Pakistan moved some air defence missiles, troops and artillery to some vital areas just prior to its testing of nuclear devices, Fernandes said.

Universities: Fernandes said the defence laboratories would be increasing interaction with universities with a view to undertaking joint advanced research in areas applicable to defence technology. The Defence Research and Development Organisation already has a partnership with 40 Indian academic institutions and universities.

Vehicle depot: There was no proposal to wind up the army vehicle depot at Panagarh, the defence minister said.

Punjab quota: There has been no demand from the Punjab government to have a population-based quota system for recruitment in the defence services, Fernandes said in reply to a question.

Kerala representations: The government was considering a large number of representations from petitioners in Kerala who were contesting their discharge from the army, Fernandes said. The representations were filed after a recent judgment by the Kerala high court directing the Union government to consider and dispose of the grievances.

Coast Guard: The Gujarat government has been asked to allot suitable land to the Coast Guard for setting up a station at Jakhau, Fernandes said in a written reply.

The realisation of the proposal to set up a station at Jakhau has been envisaged in the Coast Guard development plan, 1997-2002.

UNI

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