Lokayukta orders inquiry against Waikar, says Nirupam

Mumbai, Aug 30 (PTI) The Lokayukta today ordered aninquiry against Maharashtra minister Ravindra Waikar inconnection with the alleged illegal construction at astate-run gym in Aarey Colony in suburban Goregaon, seniorCongress leader Sanjay Nirupam said here. Nirupam had filed a complaint with the Lokayuktaagainst Waikar on June 27 alleging that the latter had usurpeda government land in Aarey Colony here and made illegalconstruction in a state-run gymnasium. "After I filed a complaint against Waikar, Minister ofState for Housing, the Lokayukta concluded that he had turneddown all pleas to demolish illegal construction. (Retiredjudge) M L Tahiliani will now conduct an inquiry into themisdeeds of the minister," he told reporters here today. "The inquiry will focus on why the minister failed toorder demolition of the illegal structure, despite hisknowledge about it," the city Congress chief added. In his complaint, Nirupam had demanded action againstthe minister for "misusing" his office and for "exerting" hisinfluence as a Minister in "usurping the land". Nirupam, a former MP, said he has also demanded actionagainst certain officers of the Housing department for their"connivance" in the "land grabbing". Despite repeated attempts, Waikar remained unavailablefor comment. PTI MM NP TIRPTP