Panel to begin probe today into charges against Hazare

The Sawant Commission on Monday will start probing allegations against social activist Anna Hazare — one of the key players who prompt...

The Sawant Commission on Monday will start probing allegations against social activist Anna Hazare — one of the key players who prompted the Maharashtra government to set up the commission in the first place.

Hazare has appeared before the commission earlier, regarding the charges levelled against him by Food and Civil Supplies Minister Suresh Jain, one of the four ministers the social activist had indicted for corruption. But this is the first time that various documents and papers of trusts and organisations associated with Hazare will be brought before the commission.

Jain appeared before the commission on Wednesday and commission secretary, G.T. Wategaonkar confirmed later that Justice Sawant had granted him permission to scrutinise the papers.

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The commission has also asked Hazare to appear before Justice Sawant on Monday to explain his boycott of its proceedings. But it made it clear that it would probe Jain’s allegations against him, whether he participated in the proceedings or not.

Hazare boycotted the commission a few months ago, alleging that supporters of Irrigation Minister Padamsinh Patil were threatening witnesses.

He also submitted an affidavit saying witnesses were likely to be threatened by two other ministers, Suresh Jain and Vijaykumar Gawit.

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