No prima facie evidence against bureaucrat: ACB

The ACB stated in an affidavit that it had had probed two complaints filed against Rajeev,currently serving as a principal secretary of the environment department. However,there was no prima facie evidence found against him. The affidavit stated that the matter was also referred to the principal secretary of the urban development department and urged him to conduct a high-level inquiry into the matter if required.

A division Bench headed by Justice P V Hardas asked Sarnaik to file an affidavit in reply to the affidavit of the ACB.

According to Sarnaik’s petition,the office of town development on the fourth floor of the Thane Municipal Corporation building,was renovated at an expense of Rs 65 lakh,which was allegedly sponsored by Maharashtra Chamber of Housing Industry,an association of builders.

Demanding an ACB probe in the case,Sarnaik had alleged that the builders’ lobby had borne the expenses to favour bureaucrats like Rajeev.