The Maharashtra Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Friday sought permission from the state government to conduct an open inquiry against deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar and state Nationalist Congress Party chief Sunil Tatkare following a complaint by social activist Pravin Wategaonkar, who has alleged corruption in 12 irrigation projects.
What has the activist alleged?
In his complaint to ACB on Wednesday, Wategaonkar alleged that 12 contracts were awarded to companies belonging to a particular group over the past decade in violation of rules that prescribe a maximum of three contracts to a contractor or joint venture company, which resulted in losses to the public exchequer and were contrary to public interest.
Are there others involved?
Wategaonkar has also sought inquiry against several public servants of Konkan Irrigation Development Corporation (KIDC).
When were the alleged favours done?
The complainant has said Pawar and Tatkare, during their stint as water resources ministers, along with KIDC officials, had favoured that group.
What are the illegalities?
Wategaonkar said there were irregularities in awarding tenders to the companies belonging to the group, and approving various demands of the contractors.
The projects were allegedly started without land acquisition, forest clearances and rehabilitation of the project-affected people.
And these alleged acts of commission and omission led to delays and price escalation in most projects.
Were these brought to light earlier?
A report by the Madhav Chitale committee had highlighted these irregularities in the execution of irrigation projects. The Maharashtra government had in June tabled the report in the state assembly.
What does ACB say?
"On Friday, we referred Wategaonkar's complaint to the state government and sought permission to conduct an open inquiry against Pawar, Tatkare and the others," a top ACB officer said.
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