The Maharashtra government has formally sought a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the recent murder of additional collector Yashwant Sonawane by the oil mafia, to avoid further attack from the Opposition and non-government organisations.
“The state government on Friday (on Thursday) sent out a formal communication to the central government, requesting a CBI inquiry into the killing of Sonawane in Nashik district. Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan and myself had a verbal discussion with Home Minister P Chidambaram two days ago in Delhi. Subsequently, the state cabinet also discussed the issue,” state Home Minister R R Patil told Business Standard.
The government move is aimed at curbing criticism from the Opposition and various organisations against various ministers for their alleged connections with the oil mafia. The trigger was a strong demand made by the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), a ruling ally, at the Wednesday’s cabinet meeting. State Public Works Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, an NCP leader, was at the forefront to demand a CBI inquiry.