The Anti-Corruption Bureau of Maharashtra police has sought permission from the state government to conduct an open inquiry against Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and state NCP chief Sunil Tatkare following a complaint by an activist who has alleged corruption in 12 irrigation projects. Besides the two top NCP leaders, social activist has also sought inquiry against several public servants of Konkan Irrigation Development Corporation (KIDC). A top Anti-Corruption Bureau officer said, they have referred the complaint to the state government and sought permission to conduct an open inquiry against Pawar, Tatkare and others.

In his complaint to ACB the complainant has alleged that more than three contracts were awarded to the companies belonging to a particular group over the past decade in violation of the rules that prescribe a maximum of three contracts to a contractor or joint venture company.

The complainant has alleged that Mr Pawar and Mr Tatkare, during their stints as Water Resources Ministers, along with officials of the KIDC had allegedly favoured that group. He has alleged there were irregularities in awarding tenders to the companies belonging to the group and approving various demands of the contractors which resulted in losses to the public exchequer and were contrary to public interest.

Mr Tatkare rubbished the charges, saying “The Chitale committee report has given them a clean chit. There have been no irregularities and the allegations that have now been made against them were baseless and have no merit.”