HC disposes of plea seeking CBI probe into irrigation scam

NCP heaves sigh of relief at decision

The ruling Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maharashtra received a respite after the Bombay High Court  disposed of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the multi- crore irrigation scam.

The PIL was filed by Sangola-based Uttamrao Ghatule, with a plea to hand over the probe to the CBI. Currently, the scam is being probed by the special investigation team (SIT) chaired by water expert Madhav Chitale and comprising of former finance secretary A K D Jadhav, retired agriculture commissioner Krishna Lavekar and former irrigation secretary V M Ranade.

The party admitted the development was a temporary respite as there are at least three other petitions pending before various courts for admission or for judgement in connection with the irrigation scam.

On June 30, the state government had given a six month extension (up to December 31) to the SIT to complete its probe.

The SIT is inquiring into the cost escalation of 38 irrigation projects being implemented by the Vidarbha Irrigation Development Corporation  within a span of seven months in 2009 by a whopping Rs 20,050.06 crore to Rs 26,722.33 crore from Rs 6,672.27 crore. Thirty out of the 38 projects were granted hurried approvals in four days, including 11 projects on August 14, 2009, 10 projects in June 2009, five projects on July 7, 2009 and four projects on August 18, 2009.

According to the terms of reference, the SIT, among other things, has been asked to fix the responsibility for any irregularities, if found during investigations and suggest actions against the concerned.