Adarsh Scam: Former Maha CM Ashok Chavan to be prosecuted

Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao on Thursday allowed the Central Bureau of Investigation to prosecute former Chief Minister Ashok Chavan in connection with the Adarsh Housing Society corruption case.

CBI had approached the Governor last month to seek permission after it reportedly got 'fresh evidence' against Chavan in the case. Chavan has been booked under section 197 of Criminal Procedure Code for offences under Section 120-B (criminal conspiracy) and 420 (cheating) of Indian Penal Code.

The senior Congress leader was amongst the 12 who were charge-sheeted by the investigation agency. The CBI allege that Chavan approved additional floor space in Adarsh in exchange for flats for his relatives in the high rise apartment. The society, which is meant for war veterans, is located in Colaba. Chavan was forced to quit his post after the scam surfaced.

The former Chief Minister called it a "case of political vendetta" by the BJP government, according to an IBNLive report. He is likely to move to the Supreme Court against the decision. Chavan also asserted that he will not resign from the post of president of Maharashtra Pradesh congress Committee (MPCC).