Former Goa Public Works Department Minister Churchill Alemao has been arrested in connection with the Louis Berger bribery case. Alemao was picked up from his residence in Varca village at around 10.30 last night, and was officially placed under arrest at midnight. Superintendent of Police (Crime Branch), Kartik Kashyap confirmed the arrest. <br/><br/>The Crime branch officials claimed that Alemao's role in accepting the bribe is established, which is why he has been arrested for further investigation. Alemao, along with former Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, had been questioned by the Crime branch in connection with the case. On the other hand Alemao said that he is innocent and was arrested as part of a political game. He told this to PTI while being taken for medical examination during the wee hours today. He was later sent to police lock up. A crime branch official said, he would be produced before the local court later in the day.<br/><br/>Alemao served as the PWD Minister under the Kamat-led Congress government in the state in 2010. Kamat has already moved an anticipatory bail application in the Panaji District and Session court, and the matter will be heard on Friday.<br/><br/>The Crime Branch has already arrested Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Goa Project Director Anand Wachasunder and former Vice President of Louis Berger Satyakam Mohanty in connection with the case. The officials of the US-based company had confessed in a US court that they paid bribe to a Goa Minister for winning consultancy of Water Augmentation and Sewerage pipeline project under JICA in 2010. <br/><br/><br/>Meanwhile, in Assam, Enforcement Directorate has begun inquiry into the allegation that Louis Berger bribed officials to get a project in the state. Official sources said that the investigation is being carried out under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999. A case in this regard has already been registered at Dispur police station in Guwahati. The Assam government has also ordered an inquiry into the allegation. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said that he would recommend CBI inquiry if required.<br/>Opposition BJP and Asom Gana Parishad alleged that the state government is going soft into the case.