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HomeIndiaIrrigation scam cases closed not linked to Ajit Pawar, says Maharashtra ACB...

Irrigation scam cases closed not linked to Ajit Pawar, says Maharashtra ACB official

The ACB's clarification came after Congress claimed Ajit Pawar was 'exonerated' in lieu of his support to BJP in forming state govt.

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Mumbai: The Maharashtra Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Monday said it has closed probe into nine case of alleged corruption in irrigation projects in Maharashtra, adding none of these cases were linked to deputy CM Ajit Pawar.

The ACB’s clarification came after opposition Congress claimed Ajit Pawar was “exonerated” in lieu of his support to the BJP in forming a government two days ago.

“None of the cases pertaining to Ajit Pawar in the 2013 irrigation scam investigation have been closed,” a senior ACB official told PTI.

This is a conditional closure, which means the state or the court can reopen the case, the official said.

“We are investigating around 3,000 tenders in irrigation related complaints. These are routine inquiries which are closed and all ongoing investigations are continuing as they were earlier,” the official said.

Hitting out at the BJP-Ajit Pawar government in Maharashtra, the Congress alleged that the only decision it had taken in “public interest” was to close “all cases of corruption and malfeasance”.

The Anti Corruption Branch clarified that none of the 24 cases registered in connection to the scam have been closed. Instead, nine inquiries have been completed and closed after no irregularities were found on part of officers concerned.

The ACB also released a statement saying that it was inquiring into a total of 2654 tenders of 45 projects, of Vidarbha Irrigation Development Corporation (VIDC) as per two PILs filed in 2012 in the High Court, Nagpur Bench.


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“So far open enquiry has been completed in 212 tenders. Out of these FIRs have been registered in 24 cases and chargesheets filed in 5 cases,” the statement said.

“Open enquiry into 45 tenders have been closed as no offence was disclosed during enquiry. Departmental enquiries against the concern officials have been recommended in 28 enquiries for administrative lapses,” it added.

The said order of closure of 9 enquiries, ACB said is from the 45 enquiries closed two to five months ago.

“This order of closure of 9 enquities dated 25 November is from ACB units for closure in this office between 2-5 months ago. These 9 enquiries were closed as no criminal offence was made out after enquiry against any one,” the statement said.

The statement also clarified that all 24 FIRs are presently under investigation and none of the cases have been closed. “None of the 9 enquiries is in respect of Ajit Pawar (the then Chairman of VIDC). All 24 FIRs are presently under investigation,” the statement said.

Sources in the know say that the Maharashtra Government has been taking adjournments in this case. When the court asked the government pleader on what it proposed to do with Ajit Pawar and Sunil Tatkare (another ex minister named in the scam), the court was told the probe is on. Sources say the probe is on at a snail’s pace.

(With PTI inputs)


Also read: Only reason why Amit Shah & Ajit Pawar enacted midnight Maharashtra drama — opposition sloth


 

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