Anna Hazare should give proof of corruption: Nitin Raut

MUMBAI: Maharashtra Water Conservation Minister Nitin Raut today asked anti-graft crusader Anna Hazare to substantiate his allegations of corruption in his department.

Hazare should provide proof of his charges rather than making vague statements, Raut told reporters here.

"Swot analysis of any department is important. If he provides proof, we will conduct an inquiry. Hazare should give details rather than just making charges targetting an individual," he added.

Replying to questions on comments made against him by Hazare aide Suresh Pathare, Raut said he was consulting his lawyers to discuss possibility of filing a defamation suit against Pathare.

Pathare said on microblogging site Twitter that he regretted his comments but will not apologise.

Raut said Hazare was the chief advisor of Adarsh gaon scheme under the water conservation department. But, he quit the post about four months ago.