Pachpute, a former state NCP president, figures in transcripts of the conversation between gangster Rao and a man named Appa, who claimed to be a worker of the NCP.
MUMBAI: Forest Minister Baban Pachpute is the latest politician to be caught in the DK Rao tapes, transcripts of which are with DNA.
Pachpute, a former state NCP president, figures in transcripts of the conversation between gangster Rao and a man named Appa, who claimed to be a worker of the NCP.
Other personalities also figure in the transcripts, including suspended sub-inspector Daya Nayak, corporator Srikrishna ‘Bala’ Chavan, some top builders, and even some public prosecutors and defence lawyers.
Though obliquely, Pachpute’s name finds mention in the transcripts. Appa claims that he sought Pachpute’s intervention to settle a matter that yielded Rs3 cr.
In another reference to the minister, Appa tells Rao about Pachpute’s role while discussing the viability of an unnamed project.
Chavan, a Shiv Sena corporator who recently joined Raj Thackeray’s MNS, is referred to directly by Appa, who tells Rao, “We will ask Bala Chavan and our architect Deodhar to remain present while our boys from Agripada remove the slums.”
Rao says, “Fine, fine...”
Appa continues, “We have given money to several boys from Agripada and all of them are in touch with us.”
Another significant conversation, which took place on September 24, 2005, between gangster Chhota Rajan and his accomplice Farid Tanasha, raises questions about the credibility of some public prosecutors and witnesses.
The conversation indicates that Tanasha was seeking money from Rajan to distribute among some prosecutors. He says, “Our boys spoke to the PPs and they have compiled all seven cases together... for that we need Rs25,000.”
He adds, “We have to arrange for money, then witnesses, <panches>, can turn hostile during hearing.”
On September 26, Rao requests Rajan to send Rs1 lakh for an unnamed jail superintendent. “I’m thinking of giving Rs1 lakh to him rather than a flat... to the jail superintendent,” he says.
He adds, “One is enough for him... Now he does not want room... His wife has registered a case against him... He can look after his case...”
In another conversation on September 30, gangster Vicky Malhotra requests Rajan to talk to the Arthur Road Jail superintendent who was to give an opinion on whether Malhotra should be kept in the Byculla jail or sent to Thane.
Malhotra says, “Once he gives his opinion in our favour, then it is all ok…”
In reply, Rajan says, “Wait, I will talk to him right now... is his phone working or not?”
On November 30, 2005, Appa complains to Rao against his partner in a security agency. He says, “We have obtained that Adarsh Nagar site and we have managed Borivli... Kandivli... Adarsh Nagar police station... Your security agency partner is threatening us with the name of Daya Nayak and threatening to expose everything about our site to him.”
Rao says, “Maybe it comes under his jurisdiction, that’s why he would have told him...”
Appa replies, “No, no, that area does not come under Nayak...”
Rao reassures him, “Then let it be... there is no need to worry.”
A prominent city builder’s name also crops up. Appa tells Rao, “We got another site in Jogeshwari... planning to give it to Dewan Builders if he is willing to give full payment... but problem is that we can’t force him, he is in direct touch with Bada Seth (Chhota Rajan).”
Rao replies, “Yes, he is in our contact... you go there directly.”
Appa says, “Yes... I have direct links... with Vyankatesh, his manager, and his son Sunny... actually Sunny and I are on good terms as we have done that Daulatnagar project together.”
He adds, “He does hesitate in releasing money... but once you talk to him he will stop bothering us.”
In the same conversation, Appa tells Rao, “I’m going to meet the trustee of that area and arrange a party for it... Maurya Developers’ Dilipbhai is to accept our projects.”
Despite these revelations, a senior police officer said none of those named in the tapes can be called for questioning simply because they were being discussed by gangsters.
“I come from a rural background. I haven’t seen Rs3 cr in my 52 years. It is ridiculous that gangsters are dropping names, so people are doubting my integrity.
— Forest Minister Baban Pachpute
The Daulat Nagar project was given to us by the State and then MP Sunil Dutt for the benefit of 800 people affected by road-widening. And, how do you know he is referring to us?
— Rakesh Dewan, MD, Dewan Builders
Bala Chavan was not available for comment.
Ready for any inquiry: Handore
The state assembly witnessed uproarious scenes over the DK Rao tapes that named Social Justice Minister Chandrakant Handore.
The matter was raised by Leader of the Opposition Ramdas Kadam. Opposition members said several DF ministers are in the news for all the wrong reasons.
Handore on his part said he was prepared to face any inquiry. He said the conversation was between two gangsters who were dropping names and he had nothing to do with it.
— Prashant Hamine
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