MUMBAI, Aug 11: Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare has sought a fresh probe against former irrigation minister Mahadev Shivankar, who is currently Minister for Finance and Planning.

In a communication to the Commission of Inquiry headed by Justice M L Dudhat investigating the charges of corruption against former agriculture minister Shashikant Sutar, Hazare remarked that instead of only Sutar, probe should be conducted against both Sutar and Shivankar.

``It was improper on the part of the Sena-BJP government to conduct a fresh probe against Sutar. Since he has already been held guilty of corrupt practices, the government should directly file a First Information Report under the Prevention of Corruption Act against him,'' Hazare said.

Following a series of complaints made by Hazare against Sutar and Shivankar, the Sena-BJP government appointed Justice S W Puranik to probe charges of corruption against them. At the same time, the government divested the two ministers of their respective portfolios. The two ministers were charged with irregularities in transfers and awarding contracts.

In his comprehensive report, Justice Puranik held Sutar guilty of corrupt practices while he acquitted Shivankar. Further, Puranik recommended that charges of corruption against Sutar should be probed under the Commission of Inquiry Act. ``Since I had limitations, I was unable to conduct an in depth inquiry against Sutar,'' Justice Puranik had observed in his report.

On the basis of the recommendations made by Justice Puranik, the State government appointed the commission headed by Justice M L Dudhat. The commission sent an official notice to Hazare asking him to either remain present before it or submit an affidavit in connection with the charges he had made against Sutar.

Virtually refusing to file an affidavit, Hazare informed the commission that he had already submitted all the evidence against Sutar to the alliance government. ``Along with my earlier complaints, I have submitted all the proof to the government.

There is no need to submit additional proof against him. I feel that government should file a case against Sutar, instead of holding a fresh inquiry under the commission of inquiry act,'' Hazare said.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.