Mumbai:
Activist Anna Hazare has demanded that a special team be set up to investigate the 72,000 crore irrigation scam in Maharashtra, which forced the state's deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar to step down.
Mr Hazare said, "Ajit Pawar claims that he is innocent, while Vijay Pandhare has explained in detail how corruption has taken place. People are confused. We don't want the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate. Instead a team comprising retired judge, some well-known social activists and government officials should be formed to investigate the matter."
Vijay Pandhare, chief engineer in Maharashtra's irrigation department, had in writing tipped off Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan to massive financial irregularities in the irrigation department. Ajit Pawar, Mr Chavan's deputy, resigned on Tuesday over allegations that placed him at the heart of the swindle. He has been given police protection for serving as a whistle-blower.
Mr Pawar served as Water Resources Minister from 1999 to 2009. The state's last economic survey said that against an expenditure of 40,000 cores, an additional 0.1% of land had been brought under irrigation.
Earlier, supporters of social activist Anna Hazare have backed Mr Pandhare and assured him of their cooperation.
Mr Hazare said, "Ajit Pawar claims that he is innocent, while Vijay Pandhare has explained in detail how corruption has taken place. People are confused. We don't want the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate. Instead a team comprising retired judge, some well-known social activists and government officials should be formed to investigate the matter."
Vijay Pandhare, chief engineer in Maharashtra's irrigation department, had in writing tipped off Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan to massive financial irregularities in the irrigation department. Ajit Pawar, Mr Chavan's deputy, resigned on Tuesday over allegations that placed him at the heart of the swindle. He has been given police protection for serving as a whistle-blower.
Mr Pawar served as Water Resources Minister from 1999 to 2009. The state's last economic survey said that against an expenditure of 40,000 cores, an additional 0.1% of land had been brought under irrigation.
Earlier, supporters of social activist Anna Hazare have backed Mr Pandhare and assured him of their cooperation.
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