Nawab Malik files Lokayuta plaint against tourism minister Jaikumar Rawal

Despite Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis giving a clean chit to state tourism minister Jaikumar Rawal in the alleged conflict of interest case, he is yet to get relief in the matter.

The Lokayukta has admitted a complaint filed by the Nationalist Congress Party spokesman Nawab Malik against Rawal for his alleged links with the Toranmal Hill Resort Company.

Malik had accused Rawal of conflicting his interests, saying that the company rented the resort from the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) in 1991 for five years and the agreement was extended for five more years in 1996.

As reported by DNA, Malik on Monday, appeared before the Lokayukta and argued his case. He also submitted some more papers to substantiate his charges.

Malik told DNA, "The Lokayukta has asked the state tourism secretary to file necessary papers in connection with the Toranmal Hill Resorts Company. The matter has been posted for hearing on April 25. I will submit some more evidence during the ensuing hearing."

Malik had said in February that the company was one of the two lakh entities that the Centre had blacklisted after demonetisation.

However, it continued doing business and accepting payments.

Rawal has denied the charges, saying that he was never the director or a stakeholder in the company. He had also refuted the allegation of conflicting Malik's interest.