CBI investigates into infrastructure development for IFFI in Goa

NEW DELHI: The Central Bureau of Investigation is conducting an investigation into the setting up of the infrastructure for the International Film Festival of India in Panaji in Goa in 2004.

The annual IFFI, which had been a roving Festival until 2003, was given a permanent venue by then Information and Broadcasting Minister Sushma Swaraj. The Chief Minister of Goa at the time was Manohar Parikar.

According to a complaint filed by the Goa Government in 2007, there were allegations of financial fraud related to expenditure incurred on infrastructure development for IFFI.

CBI sources said the case involved detailed investigations into a number of allegations involving various departments, examination of a large number of witnesses, documents, many suspects including contractors, consultant and officials of the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation, the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) and others.

ESG had been established by the Goa Government to help the Directorate of Film Festivals, which is based in Delhi under the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, in organising the annual IFFI, the 41st edition of which ended on 2 December.