ACB probe into Thane soil scam

Ganpat Kamlu Shirke, an employee of the soil conservation department who exposed the ongoing racket since 1982, was also present at the press conference.

Shirke gave the details of the modus operandi by which the officers of the development siphoned off several crore rupees without even completing the project.

He said between 1985 and 1995 he had made at least four complaints to his seniors, and instead of taking cognisance they transferred him out of the division to make free room for their nefarious activities. Fed up with the manner in which the department officers ignored the complaints, Shirke complained to Thane DistrictSuperintendent of Police rural Ashok Kamte on February 12, 1997 who in turn ordered the local police to register an offence in connection with the scam. Meanwhile, Shirke was placed under suspension by the officers from April 5, 1997, which still continues.