Mhetre denies connection with underworld

Mumbai, Mar 10: Maharashtra Minister of State for Home Siddharam Mhetre today denied the transcript of phone conversation between jailed gangster D K Rao and underworld don Chhota Rajan suggesting that Mehtre had reinstated 12 police officials suspended after the murder of a rival gangstar in jail in September 2003.

Talking to UNI this morning, Mr Mhetre denied any connection with the incident and was not aware of any such development till he was asked by the media about his name being used in the conversation.

Mr Mhetre said he had immediately called the Crime Branch Police Inspector to find out the details and he was told that the transcript was taped nearly three months before.

He also said that he was told by the officials that the gangsters deliberetly used names of influential politicians in the conversation to show there clout and to pressurise police and rival gangsters.

''I have asked for more details on this issue from the police,'' Mr Mhetre added.

In the transcript, recorded on September 29 last year and submitted to the MCOCA court on February 14, Rao is quoted as having told Rajan that the deal to reinstate the officials had been finalised at the minister's house.

UNI