Former Justice, Zoting to conduct inquiry into allegations against Eknath Khadse

Former High Court Justice, D S Zoting, who is inquiring in to the allegation of conflict of interest in buying MIDC land in Bhosari by former Revenue Minister Eknath Khadse, has sought extension of three months to complete the inquiry. Zoting was appointed as in-charge of one-member probe in to this allegation in the last week of June 2016.

Zoting, who is based in Nagpur, was appointed as the sole member of one-man judicial inquiry, and was asked to give his report to the government, in three months. Chief minister (CM), Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that Zotimg has sought extension but he did not divulge the reasons for extension sought by the latter.

Sources informed that Zoting has sent a letter to the state government seeking extension of yet another three months. After his appointment to probe in to allegations against Khadse pertaining to MIDC land in Bhosari (district Pune), Zoting did not have any staff or other infrastructure for the inquiry. The CM had made it clear that the inquiry would be conducted as per the Commissions of Inquiries Act, providing powers to issue notices and summon the witnesses while conducting the inquiry.

After a series of allegations were levelled at him, Khadse resigned as minister, and then, Zoting was appointed as a one-man committee to conduct an enquiry in to MIDC land allegations.