Lokayukta orders inquiry against Waikar, says Nirupam

The Lokayukta today ordered an inquiry against Maharashtra minister Ravindra Waikar in connection with the alleged illegal construction at a state-run gym in Aarey Colony in suburban Goregaon, senior Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam said here.
Nirupam had filed a complaint with the Lokayukta against Waikar on June 27 alleging that the latter had usurped a government land in Aarey Colony here and made illegal construction in a state-run gymnasium.
"After I filed a complaint against Waikar, Minister of State for Housing, the Lokayukta concluded that he had turned down all pleas to demolish illegal construction. (Retired judge) M L Tahiliani will now conduct an inquiry into the misdeeds of the minister," he told reporters here today.

"The inquiry will focus on why the minister failed to order demolition of the illegal structure, despite his knowledge about it," the city Congress chief added.
In his complaint, Nirupam had demanded action against the minister for "misusing" his office and for "exerting" his influence as a Minister in "usurping the land".
Nirupam, a former MP, said he has also demanded action against certain officers of the Housing department for their "connivance" in the "land grabbing".
Despite repeated attempts, Waikar remained unavailable for comment.