Former Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar stays away from probe

MUMBAI: Former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar stayed away from the probe being conducted by the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) into flouting of norms for irrigation projects of the Konkan Irrigation Development Corporation (KIDC).

According to an ACB statement issued here, Ajit Pawar was represented by Sushilkumar Musale and Advocate Carlos.

"The representatives gave some information. Pawar has been asked to remain present on September 22 with additional details," the ACB statement said.

An inquiry is in progress in the Balganga irrigation project, the ACB statement said, adding that an FIR was registered at the Kopri police station in Thane on August 25 after which Rajesh Rithe, Vijay Kasat, contractor Nissar Khatri, Abid Khatri and Zahid Khatri were arrested.

Nissar Khatri and Kasat have applied for bail which came up for hearing at the special court.

Today, the court heard their bail pleas and fixed the next hearing for September 25.

Judicial custody of all the accused has been extended till September 29, the ACB statement said.