Tribal welfare scam: HC to appoint SIT to probe irregularities

The Bombay High Court today said it would appoint a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged Rs 6,000 crore scam into the purchases of materials related to various tribal development schemes in Maharashtra.
A division bench of Justices V M Kanade and R P Sondurbaldota was hearing a petition filed by Bahiram Motiram, a tribal from Nashik district, demanding the CBI probe into alleged irregularities.
According to the petitioner, the Tribal Welfare department made the purchases towards curbing malnutrition, distribution of cows and buffaloes, supply of diesel engine and pipes, without calling for tenders and the amounts shown as disbursed towards tribal welfare were actually siphoned off.

The court in its previous hearing had asked CBI to make a preliminary inquiry into the allegations.
CBI today told the court that it could not handle the case due to inadequate manpower as the investigation is spread across several districts in the state.
The court then said it would appoint a SIT to probe the allegations. The matter will be heard on June 13 when the court would pass an order appointing a special investigation team.
The petitioner alleged that the tribal development department in March 2006 procured liquid protein without following the due procedure or by floating tenders. Also, the liquid protein bottles were not distributed, though the amount was disbursed.