CBI seeks info on cash recovered from Adarsh scam accused

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), probing into the Adarsh housing society scam, today told the Bombay High Court that it has approached Income Tax authorities in connection with Rs 23 lakh unaccounted cash recovered from the residence of former deputy secretary in Maharashtra government and an accused in the case, PV Deshmukh.

"Matters related to the recovery of cash up to Rs 23 lakh, which was unaccounted for, have been taken up with Income Tax authorities for contemplating necessary action under the Income Tax Act," the CBI said in an affidavit.

The affidavit was filed in reply to a petition filed by Deshmukh seeking CBI to defreeze his bank accounts. Deshmukh and his family's bank accounts in Vijaya Bank and Bank of Maharashtra were attached by CBI after it registered a case on January 29 in the Adarsh housing society scam.

During searches, the investigating agency had recovered incriminating documents and Rs 23 lakh in cash from Deshmukh's residence in neighbouring Thane district.

"With a view to verify 'benami' transactions purportedly made by the accused person, the operation of his five bank accounts and three lockers were stopped following due process of law. We need to verify the various transactions made in those accounts," the affidavit stated.

The CBI had accused Deshmukh of having abused his official power by fraudulently communicating to the BMC that the Ministry of Environment and Forest had given a No Objection Certificate to Adarsh society for constructing a residential building.

Apart from Deshmukh, the FIR has also named former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, retired army officials and government officials with charges of criminal conspiracy, fraud and misuse of their official powers.