Raote defends appointment of controversial transport official

Maharashtra state transport minister Diwakar Raote today defended the appointment of Ravi Gaikwad as deputy regional transport officer, claiming that no complaints of corruption against him have been received.
Gaikwad, 52, who is a controversial deputy regional transport officer was recently appointed at the Andheri regional transport office by the Maharashtra government.
Replying to questions why the state government chose to appoint a controversial officer at the Western regional transport office, Raote said, "No complaint has been received on paper against Gaikwad by the state government. There is a process of action to be taken against any government officer. If we get any complaint, we will take appropriate action against him".

While serving at the Andheri regional transport office, Ravindra Gaikwad was allegedly involved in a Rs 100-crore imported bike scam and a probe against him is still pending.
Gaikwad was transferred to Beed in December 2009, after the scam was exposed, but he proceeded on a long leave until his appointment at Andheri last month.
Gaikwad also came under scanner after he got all clearances for a red Ferrari and allegedly facilitated a huge tax exemption to cricketer Sachin Tendulkar while serving as assistant regional transport officer.
Later, the state government declared a tax waiver, which validated Gaikwad's actions.
Gaikwad is one of the owners of Rendezvous Sports World which controversially bought the Kochi IPL franchise.