CBI seeks Guv nod to prosecute Chavan

CBI has again sought nod from Maharashtra governor to prosecute former CM in Adarsh scam

Ex-chief minister Ashok Chavan, who heads the Maharashtra Congress unit, on Thursday said the BJP government was using the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for political vendetta.

Chavan was reacting to CBI's move to approach Governor C Vidyasagar Rao for approval for his prosecution in connection with the Adarsh Housing Society scam.

"The BJP government is using CBI for political vendetta. We will make our next move considering legal recourse available," Chavan said, adding former Governor K Sankaranarayan in December 2013 had refused sanction to the CBI to prosecute him.

Subsequently, the CBI had closed the case against him.

Chavan, who had to step down as chief minister after the scam surfaced in November 2010, was among the 12 people chargesheeted by the investigation agency in connection with the case. The chargesheet had alleged conspiracy but also referred to Chavan's individual acts when he was revenue minister and later chief minister.

The CBI had alleged that Chavan suggested inclusion of civilian members in the Adarsh Housing Society, meant for war veterans and widows of defence personnel, to secure flats for his relatives. The CBI had first approached a trial court seeking to drop Chavan's name as an accused on the ground that the Governor had refused to sanction his prosecution. As the CBI court rejected it, the agency moved the Bombay high court. However, the high court too dismissed CBI's application but said Chavan could still be prosecuted under the Prevention of Corruption Act.