Kerosene scam in Solapur, officials under scanner

BAKHTIYAR TANGSAL

Acting on a complaint filed with the state government by the CES — an organisation founded by anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare — Minister for Rural Development and district Guardian Minister Vijaysinh Mohite-Patil had formed a two-member committee, consisting of Deputy Collector Dinesh Bhaledar and advocate Govind Patil, in November 2007 to probe the matter. The present scandal follows another multi crore fraud in the district's Employment Guarantee Scheme. The committee pointed out the lapses in kerosene distribution and the modus operandi of officials. District Collector Dr. Jagdish Patil has confirmed the fraud, promising stern action against those involved. The CES city unit chief Vasantrao Apte has asked the state Government not to shield those accused and warned that they would file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) if the Collector failed to act.