Maharashtra govt nod for ACB inquiry against Bhujbal

The Maharashtra government has given its consent to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to conduct an inquiry into corruption charges against senior minister Chhagan Bhujbal.

The ACB had sought permission to conduct a probe, in a letter to the additional chief secretary (home) on July 18, following allegation by Bharatiya Janata Party leader Kirit Somaiya that Bhujbal misused his official position to award contracts for the Maharashtra Sadan building in Delhi to firms owned by his relatives.

"The Home Department has given its consent to the ACB to conduct the inquiry," sources said. Such a consent is needed for any action against a public servant.

Bhujbal, who belongs to NCP, holds the Public Works portfolio. Incidentally, the home department is headed by R R Patil, who also belongs to the Nationalist Congress Party.

Bhujbal has denied the corruption allegations.