Nagpur: While completing its arguments before the Dinkar Zoting Commission, probing the land grab allegations against Eknath Khadse, MIDC on Tuesday said that prima facie role of the former Revenue Minister in the scam is being clearly seen.
Adv Chandrashekhar Jaltare, appearing on behalf of MIDC, said that Khadse had made a statement that since Ukani had not received any compensation he had every right to sell the property. After completing his arguments, Khadse changed his stand. He later took a stand that he did not know anything in the matter. “This change of stand shows that Khadse is hiding the truth,” Adv Jaltare said.
“Khadse should have called his wife, son-in-law Chaudhary or his Secretary Kashid as witnesses but he did not do so. It shows something fishy in the matter. Ukani met Khadse’s Secretary. Hence he immediately called a meeting of MIDC officials at his bungalow. Why this haste? What is reason for this hurry? Why MIDC officials were called for the meeting without permission of Industry Minister or informing him? All these questions are unanswered.
“Khadse’s ‘I don’t know anything’ stand seems utterly unbelievable. He had convened a meeting on February 23, 2016. On March 28, 2016, Mrs Khadse and his son-in-law, staying abroad, went to Kolkata and did an agreement of the land. Rs 50 lakh was paid as an advance. On April 12, Khadse again held a meeting of officials in connection with the land. Sale deed was done on April 28, 2016. All these things were not known to Khadse is unbelievable,” the MIDC counsel argued.
“When Khadse came to know all these facts on June 6 then why did he resign on June 4? Considering the situation, it seems Khadse’s role is visible in the matter. The reality is that Khadse, as a minister, was the protector of the land. This act of his is betrayal of the post and also violation of oath of Minister. A detailed investigation should be recommended by the Commission,” Adv Jaltare demanded.
Khadse’s counsel M G Bhangde sought time for replying to the arguments which was given to him.
The one-man Commission was appointed on June 23 last year by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis following allegations by the Opposition that a plot of land of MIDC located at Bhosri near Pune was transferred in the name of Khadse’s wife in a case of conflict of interest by Khadse who was heading Revenue portfolio then.
