ACB seeks govt's nod for inquiry into Chhagan Bhujbal

Official of the The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has sought permission of the state government to open inquiry into a alleged corruption complaint against PWD Minister Chhagan Bhujbal in construction of the Maharashtra Sadan in Delhi.

Additional commissioner of police, Rajesh Kumar More said, "We have written to the state government asking for permission to begin an open inquiry into the corruption allegations against Bhujbal. BJP leader Kirit Somaiya has given a written complaint to the ACB earlier against the minister."

 According to Somaiya, Bhujbal had misused his official position and awarded the contract for construction of the state guest house in Delhi's Lutyen's zone to companies owned by his family members and associates.

The Minister, has, however, rejected the allegation. According to Somaiya, the ACB had written a letter to Additional Chief Secretary (Home) on July 18 this year seeking permission to proceed with the investigation against Bhujbal.

Somaiya had alleged in his compliant that Bhujbal, his friends and family-owned companies of being involved in several non-transparent and corrupt transactions, using a web of firms to park the money earned through illegal means.

Bhujbal had, however, rubbished the accusations, saying "The BJP had earlier labelled it as a Rs 100-cr scam. They later dubbed it as a Rs 1000-cr scam and now have further raised stakes. Fact is there is no scam at all."