Irrigation Probes Closed Not Linked to Dy CM Ajit Pawar: ACB Chief

ACB’s clarification came after Congress alleged that Ajit Pawar was “exonerated” in lieu of his support to the BJP.

The irrigation scam dates back to 2009, when Ajit Pawar was the Water Resources Minister in the Congress-NCP government.

(Photo: Facebook/Ajit Pawar)

The Maharashtra Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Monday said it has closed its probe into alleged irregularities in nine irrigation projects in Maharashtra. The Bureau however clarified that none of the cases were linked to deputy CM Ajit Pawar, who also faces allegations of corruption in the irrigation scam.

The ACB’s clarification came after the Congress alleged that Ajit Pawar was "exonerated" in lieu of his support to the BJP in forming a government two days ago.

The irrigation scam dates back to 2009, when Ajit Pawar was the Water Resources Minister in the Congress-NCP government. It was alleged that in that year, Ajit had approved more than 30 projects worth around Rs 20,000 crore at inflated prices.

'Investigations Continuing as They Were Earlier': Maharashtra ACB DG

Parambir Singh, Director General of Maharashtra’s Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB), told ANI, “We are investigating around 3000 tenders in irrigation related complaints. These are routine inquiries which are closed and all ongoing investigations are continuing as they were earlier.”

“None of the cases that were closed today are related to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar.”

Parambir Singh, Maharashtra ACB DG

Closing Corruption Cases BJP’s Bargaining Tool: Congress

Slamming the BJP-Ajit Pawar government in Maharashtra, the Congress alleged on Monday that the only decision it had taken in "public interest" was to close "all cases of corruption and malfeasance".

(With inputs from PTI)