The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has launched an investigation into money laundering allegations against various corporations in Maharashtra’s department of irrigation in relation to alleged wrongdoing in 12 projects under the Vidarbha Irrigation Development Corporation, according to people familiar with the developments.
ED has solicited bids for dam projects, revised administrative approvals, and invoices paid to contractors linked to Vidarbha Irrigation Development Corporation, Krishna Valley Irrigation Project, and Konkan Irrigation Development Corporation between 1999 and 2009, from officials of the Department of Water Resources. , an ED said the official on condition of anonymity.
The investigation is likely to put Vice Minister Ajit Pawar under a scanner after irregularities in the department came to light in 2012. Pawar was minister of water resources between 1999 and 2009. In December last year, the anti-corruption bureau (ACB) deputy CM a clean tab in the case. An affidavit to that effect was filed in the superior court on November 27, the day before the MVA government assumed power in the state on November 28.
The investigation coincides with the Maharashtra government Vikas Aghadi (MVA) led by Uddhav Thackeray that ordered an investigation into the water conservation project of former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan.
The development comes weeks after the Mumbai Police Economic Crimes Wing (EOW) fined Pawar and others in the case of bank irregularities of the Maharashtra State Cooperative of 25,000 crore. Last month, the EOW filed a closing report on the case, calling it a civil matter. ED has opposed EOW’s motion in court.
Pawar, who was touring the flood-affected areas of Solapur and the Pune district on Saturday, declined to comment on ED’s investigation, saying that an investigation of Jalyukt Shivar was not ordered out of spite. “Some ministers in the cabinet raised questions that if the CAG itself raised questions about him (Jalyukt Shivar), then the ambitious project on which millions of rupees was spent should be investigated. Therefore, the prime minister has ordered an open investigation through a special investigation team (SIT). There is no feeling of spite or resentment against anyone in this, ”Pawar told reporters.
Sanjay Raut, the leader of Shiv Sena and one of the architects of the tripartite alliance, declined to comment on the investigation. “It will not be correct for me to answer; the state government will respond. I know that the state government investigative agencies have delivered good news, ”Raut said.
.
