Bombay High Court rejects plea challenging SIT inquiry against Chhagan Bhujbal, kin

MUMBAI: The Bombay High Court today dismissed a petition filed by ex-Maharashtra PWD minister Chhagan Bhujbal's son Pankaj against its order asking for an inquiry by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of ACB and ED into allegations of money laundering against him, his father and cousin Sameer.

The petition had contended the joint team, comprising sleuths of Enforcement Directorate and Anti-Corruption Bureau, cannot probe the allegations because the sanction of the union government is required under law.

The bench, headed by Chief Justice Mohit Shah, however, dismissed the petition saying the HC had not ordered a probe but only an inquiry into the allegations, for which no sanction was required from the Centre.

On behalf of ACB, advocate Ashutosh Kumbhkoni said the report of the inquiry done by the joint team was not yet ready and sought more time.

However, the bench asked the team to submit an interim report by February 28 on the exercise undertaken by them as per the direction of the court.

The HC had asked a special investigating team of ED and ACB to conduct a joint inquiry into the allegations of money laundering in connection with the contracts awarded to private firms, against the Bhujbal and his kin on December 18 while hearing a petition filed by Aam Aadmi Party.

The HC order came soon after state chief minister Devendra Fadnavis gave a nod to an ACB probe into allegations against the senior NCP leader with regard to construction of New Maharashtra Sadan in Delhi.

The HC had ordered an open inquiry into the allegations and added the inquiry should be over by February 28 and if it was not completed by then, an interim report should be filed.

The petition had alleged that as the PWD Minister in the previous Congress-NCP government, Bhujbal had awarded contracts to certain private firms and in return kickbacks were paid to his institute, Mumbai Education Trust.

Sameer Bhujbal (NCP) is a former MP from Nashik Lok Sabha seat while Pankaj is currently an MLA from Nandgaon in the district.

While Sameer was questioned last Friday, SIT has summoned Pankaj for questioning this week.