"We are not satisfied with the Special Investigation Team (SIT), as it does not meet our expectations. Going by the terms of references, the SIT appears to be just a study board and not an investigating authority," Vinod Tawade, Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Legislative Council said here.
"It is also not very clear as to how the fraudulent practices occurred in the tendering process would be investigated. The SIT did not seem to be having the powers to file a criminal case after the probe and also it is not coming under the Commissions of Inquiry Act," Tawade claimed.
The BJP leader said that his party leaders would meet Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan to ensure inclusion of these points as part of the SIT probe, or else, his party would stage protests.
The SIT, announced yesterday, is headed by leading water expert Madhav Chitale and comprises three retired bureaucrats. It would submit its report in six months.
The announcement of setting up the SIT was made by Water Resources Minister Sunil Tatkare in the winter session of the state Legislative Assembly in Nagpur last month.
However, the terms of reference of the SIT and the appointment of members were to be finalised by December 31. Accordingly, the names of members and the terms of reference were announced by the government last night.
The scam, which came to the fore during Ajit Pawar's ministership, was pertaining to various alleged irregularities which led to cost and time overrun. (More)
