Irrigation scam: NCP leaders to file reply within three weeks

NAGPUR: The Nagpur bench of the Bombay high court has asked former deputy chief minister, Ajit Pawar, and former NCP legislator, Sandeep Bajoria, to file their replies within three weeks on the multi-crore irrigation scam in Buldhana and Amravati districts.

Pawar also held the irrigation portfolio.

Filing a PIL, Sridhar Purohit alleged that the irrigation department had given the contract of two irrigation projects in Buldhana and Amravati district to Bajoria’s firm. Bajoria was an influential NCP legislator and a trusted lieutenant of the then irrigation minister, Pawar. The department had provided the contract to the firm without verifying the documents.

The petitioner also alleged that in both projects the contracts Pawar’s behest during Congressncp regime.

Besides Bajoriya’s firm, state irrigation secretary, Vidarbha Irrigation Development Corporation (VIDC), water resources department (WRD) chief engineer in Wardha, executive engineer at Khamgaon, and superintendent engineer of Buldhana Irrigation project circle are the respondents in the PIL.

In the petition, Purohit alleged that the company was given advance payment for early completion of the projects. However, it failed to complete the works. When this was pointed out by alert citizens, an anti-corruption bureau inquiry was instituted. But, the inquiry was later closed without any reason. The court adjourned the hearing and permitted Pawar, Bajoria and other respondents to