No power to probe officials,says SIT head Chitale

The SIT was set up on December 16,2012. It is headquartered in Aurangabad,and has been asked to submit its report in six months.

Chitale’s letter of February 28 was in response to a letter Tawde had written,asking if officials and individuals involved in the alleged scam could be examined. Tawde had provided documents allegedly indicting officials of state irrigation corporations in irregularities.

“I would like you to enlighten me on whether you have the powers to summon and cross examine the officials/individuals found guilty in the irrigation scam,” Tawde wrote to Chitale.

Chitale wrote back: “You are well aware about the working parameters of the SIT. I have attached the government orders along with his letter. As per the guidelines,SIT is not empowered to conduct any investigation on the irrigation scam.”

Whatever information the SIT required was to be routed through departments recommended by the government,Chitale said.

Tawde wrote,“I have submitted… documents procured on the financial and functioning lapses in the irrigation department through Right to Information Act… I solicit your view on whether I should seek the help of legal experts or how to go about the subject.”