Maharashtra Governor Vidyasagar Rao on Wednesday asked Lokayukta to probe the allegations against Housing Minister Prakash Mehta in the issue of his controversial approval of the slum rehabilitation scheme (SRA) project at MP Mill compound, Tardeo.

COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCROLL TO CONTINUE READING

The Opposition had alleged that Mehta approved the Rs 2,000-crore controversial SRA project by violating prescribed norms. It demanded the resignation of Mehta and a judicial probe. However, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had announced a probe by the Lokayukta in the preceding monsoon session of the state Assembly.

As per norms, the Lokayukta requires the permission of the governor to open an investigation on Mehta, an MLA and minister. 

“Permission has been granted on Wednesday by the Governor. CM Fadnavis had requested the Governor to issue a direction to the Lokayukta to investigate into Mehta’s SRA approval matter,” the Governor press note said.

The Governor has ordered investigation under Sub Section (3) of Section 17 of the Maharashtra Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayukta Act, 1971.

Opposition leaders said that by ordering the probe by Lokayukta against Mehta, the CM has saved himself. 

“In the file approved by Mehta, he has clearly mentioned that he had informed the CM of this decision. This shows that the CM is also involved in this the scam. This has to be investigated properly by setting up a judicial probe. We have very little hope from the Lokayukta. Besides, Mehta has not resigned so there are chances of him influencing the inquiry,” said Nawab Malik, NCP spokesperson.