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Maharashtra minister facing corruption probe resigns

Maharashtra Social Welfare Minister Baban Gholap, who is facing allegations of corruption, resigned from the state council of ministers late tonight.

In his resignation letter to Chief Minister Narayan Rane, Gholap said he was resigning on his own to uphold the "moral values" and "dignity" of his party.

He said the allegations against him would be fought in a court of law, but that he considers his party's prestige greater than his own.

Earlier in the day, Gholap met Rane at his official residence 'Varsha' in south Bombay. Later, the chief minister drove with Gholap to the residence of Shiv Sena leader Bal Thackeray to discuss the matter.

Noted social crusader Kisan 'Anna' Hazare had levelled allegations of corruption in the social welfare department against Gholap.

A petition is also being heard in the Bombay high court against him in connection with a deposit of Rs45 million in the Awami Co-operative Bank where Gholap is said to have received a kickback of Rs4 million.

Another inquiry pertaining to the amassing of wealth disproportionate to his known sources of income is being conducted by the Anti-Corruption Bureau.

UNI

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