The government was put on the dock today as Opposition members in the Rajya Sabha demanded a comprehensive statement from the Minister for Road Transport and Highways B C Khanduri on the murder of IIT engineer Satyendra Dubey in Bihar who tried to expose corruption in the Golden Quadrilateral project. The issue was raised by Congress member Saifuddin Soz through a special mention. He also demanded a memorial for Dubey besides early enactment of the Whistleblowers’ Act as suggested by the Chief Vigilance Commissioner. ‘‘Dubey’s assassin has to be found and punished. Law has to be enacted to check the menace of corruption,’’ said Soz. ‘‘The Law Commission, on the very first page of a 121-page report, urged for a Whistleblowers’ Act. When does the Government of India propose to bring a draft Bill before the House?’’ he asked.He was joined by several Opposition members including those from the Left parties. Some members also regretted the fact that the minister chose to make a statement in the press (referring to a one-page advertisement in newspapers) when Parliament was in session. When Opposition members including senior Congress leader Arjun Singh repeatedly pleaded for a statement, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs O Rajagopal said the government has already ordered a CBI enquiry and hence one should await its findings.
