Former Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal after the Anti-Corruption Bureau carried searches at his offices and residences. (Press Trust of India photo)
Former Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal's homes and offices were searched on Tuesday by the state's anti-corruption bureau. 16 properties belonging to Mr Bhujbal and his family members - including a bungalow with a helipad and 65 acres of land - were searched in various locations across Mumbai, Thane, Nasik and Pune.
Mr Bhujbal is being investigated for alleged corruption in contracts worth Rs 100 crore awarded for a Maharashtra Sadan or state government guest house in Delhi. He was the minister for Public Works Department in the NCP-Congress government in Maharashtra at the time.
An FIR or police complaint was registered on June 8 against Mr Bhujbal, a senior leader of the NCP or Nationalist Congress Party, and five others.
The former minister has denied any wrongdoing and has accused the state's BJP-led government of politics of revenge.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said there was no political motive behind the searches. "An FIR has been filed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau and the raids are part of the investigation. The probe is monitored by the High Court and hence, there is no question of political interference. There is no political vendetta," he told reporters.
In April, the Bombay High Court had observed that there was evidence of corruption and an FIR can be registered.
The High Court's order came on a petition by the Aam Aadmi Party alleging that Mr Bhujbal had favoured one company, Chamankar Enterprises, for the Maharashtra Sadan contract.