Louis Berger chargesheet: ex-minister, others named

Goa Crime Branch officials had arrested ex PWD Minister of Goa Churchill Alemao in the Louis Berger bribery case. (Source: File/PTI Photo)

The crime branch of Goa police Monday filed a preliminary chargesheet in connection with the Louis Berger bribery case and has named six accused.

The 482-page chargesheet, filed under the Prevention of the Corruption Act, names former PWD Minister Churchill Alemao, Berger vice-president Satyakam Mohanty, Raychand Soni (hawala operator), former project director Anand Wachasundar, Louis Berger employee James McClung and incumbent Margao Municipal chairperson Arthur D’Silva.

The name of former Goa CM Digambar Kamat has been separately listed as “suspect”. The police said a direct accusation against Kamat can be made only after his statement is recorded during examination.

“But if we fail to name him now, it may benefit him to seek anticipatory bail,” a police officer said.
While the police have obtained the custody of Alemao, Kamat has managed to secure anticipatory bail from the District and Sessions Court in Panaji.