Petition seeks CBI probe against Tatkare,relatives

The PIL,based on media interviews given by MLC Jayant Patil,MLA Devendra Fadanvis and anti-SEZ activist Ulka Mahajan claims that between 2008-09,Aniket purchased 80 plots of land measuring 250 acres totally in Dhagadwaddi and Ambiwli. It further adds that transactions for the purchase were made through 25 private companies floated by him and his sister.

The private companies are engaged in varied businesses like agriculture,dairy,hotels,resorts,real estate and infrastructure.

While Aniket’s wife Vedanti is a director in 15 of the 25 companies,his sister Aditi is the director in 13,the PIL claims.

The PIL states that Tatkare may not be directly involved in the allegedly illegal purchases but has misused his office in order to benefit his family members.

The PIL further states that Tatkare misused his office to provide electricity to a 1,200-acre plot in Shriwardhan where Aniket owns a resort.

Phanse has alleged that the plots of land acquired by Aniket were bought for Rs 46,000 to Rs 1 lakh depending on the size of the plot. He said this included a 5 acre plot in Kihim where the market rate was Rs 3-4 crore per acre.

Relying on Patil’s media statements,the PIL states that Aniket had floated 140 companies to dodge the 54 acre possession limit under the Land Ceiling Act and has acquired almost 1,000 acres of prime plots adjoining dams,the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corpoartion and beaches.

Phanse has urged the court to direct a CBI probe in the case stating that a state police inquiry against Tatkare,who belongs to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP),may not be fair as he is a state cabinet minister and the Home portfolio is held by NCP’s R R Patil.

Phanse’s lawyer V P Patil said that the PIL will be heard by the court on June 21.