NCP slams BJP for politicising Wadhawans' lockdown jaunt, passes the buck to the Centre

Maharashtra Mirity Affairs Minister Nawab Malik on Friday lashed out at BJP leader Kirit Somaiya for levelling "unsubstantiated" allegations pertaining to lockdown violation by Wadhawan family. Mentioning that a detailed inquiry had been ordered regarding breach of restrictions, he also reiterated that Principal Secretary (Home) Amitabh Gupta had been sent on long leave pending completion of investigation.

Rejecting demand for state Home Minister Anil Deshmukh's resignation, Malik contended that such "frivolous" utterances by Somaiya had resulted in him being denied ticket for 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Going a step furr, NCP leader called upon Centre to take action against Gupta as IAS officers come under ambit of Prime Minister's Office. 

Read: Uddhav Govt Sends Own Principal Secy On Leave For Letting Wadhawans' Lockdown Violation

Read: CBI enters Fray Amid Wadhawans' Covid Lockdown Jaunt To Mahabaleshwar; Contacts Satara DM

Wadhawans travel to Mahabaleshwar

controversy came to fore on Thursday when reports emerged that some members of Wadhawan family including DHFL promoters Dheeraj and Kapil Wadhawan had travelled to a farmhouse in Mahabaleshwar. This was in violation of  nationwide lockdown which prohibits unnecessary and inter-district travel. According to Satara Superintendent of Police, y detained 23 members of Wadhawan family after locals in area alerted m. y have been booked under sections 188, 269 and 270 of Indian Penal Code. 

In a surprising turn of events, it emerged that Wadhwans were able to reach Mahabaleshwar on producing a letter written by senior bureaucrat Amitabh Gupta. letter stated that Wadhawans were his family friends and travelling for a 'medical emergency'. Incidentally, DHFL promoters had skipped summons of  Enforcement Directorate on March 17 citing COVID-19 pandemic. 

y are being probed in connection with DHFL and Yes Bank cases. Both CBI and ED have requested authorities to t allow  DHFL promoters to leave after completion of quarantine period as re were n-bailable warrants pending against m. Meanwhile, Anil Deshmukh anunced that Gupta had been sent on compulsory leave and promised action against him after result of investigation. opposition leaders including Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis and Kirit Somaiya have questioned complicity of state government in allowing Wadhawans to travel. 

Read: 'Officer Only Scapegoat': BJP Seeks Maha HM's Resignation Over Wadhawans Lockdown Jaunt

Read: Fadnavis Wades In, Slams Uddhav Sarkar On Wadhawans' Covid Lockdown Jaunt To Mahabaleshwar