HC will not review SIT inquiry into allegations against Bhujbal

The Bombay HC on Tuesday dismissed a petition filed by Pankaj Bhujbal, which asks the court to review its earlier order to form a special investigation team to look into allegations of corruption against his father and former public works minister Chhagan Bhujbal and his relatives.

The Bombay high court on Tuesday dismissed a petition filed by Pankaj Bhujbal, which asks the court to review its earlier order to form a special investigation team to look into allegations of corruption against his father and former public works minister Chhagan Bhujbal and his relatives.

Pankaj sought a review of the December 18 order passed by a division bench of Chief Justice Mohit Shah and justice BP Colabawalla. The bench ordered an SIT constituting director, directorate of enforcement (DE) and director general of the Maharashtra anti-corruption bureau (ACB) be formed to inquire into allegations that Bhujbal and his relatives got money as kickbacks from public works department contractors.

The bench had asked the SIT to look into all transactions where money was transferred from contractors to accounts of private entities controlled by Bhujbal or his relatives, or by employees of the Mumbai Education Trust.

The court also asked the SIT to submit its report by February 28, acting on a PIL filed by the Aam Aadmi Party. The PIL cited instances where crores were transferred from PWD contractors to entities such as Chhagan Bhujbal Welfare Foundation and Parvesh Constructions, where Pankaj and nephew Sameer are directors.

On Tuesday, advocate Ashutosh Kumbhakoni — representing the ACB — told the court the ACB formed 11 teams to look into each allegation. Pankaj asked for the review saying the DE cannot investigate a case unless investigation of the schedule offences is completed and a chargesheet filed by the police. The court said it did not order an investigation, but merely an inquiry into the allegations.