CM Devendra Fadnavis permits ACB to file chargesheets against Chhagan Bhujbal in 2 cases

The Fadnavis government had earlier invited flak for delay in according the sanction. The ACB, which had filed FIRs against Bhujbal in both the cases in June, had first sought the government’s permission to file chargesheets in July.

The ACB has pressed charges of misconduct and misuse of office against Bhujbal over irregularities in the Kalina land deal case. He has been slapped with more serious corruption charges in the Maharashtra Sadan case.

Following the government’s nod, ACB sleuths told The Indian Express on Friday that the agency had already completed investigations in both the cases and was in the process of submitting the chargesheets. Sources further confirmed that the nod from the government will also allow the ACB to provisionally attach Bhujbal’s properties.

The NCP leader has vehemently denied allegations raised against him in both matters. He has also announced that he would cooperate fully with investigations into the cases. Bhujbal’s son Pankaj and nephew Sameer have also been named in the FIR in the Maharashtra Sadan case.

Bhujbal is already facing an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate into allegations of money laundering.

Incidentally, Fadnavis, as an opposition legislator, had spearheaded the campaign for action against Bhujbal in the two cases.