Khot to be declared absconder : Patil

Mumbai, May 17 (UNI) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil today said the Mumbai police have begun the process of declaring suspended bureaucrat Ashok Khot, who is evading arrest since the Supreme Court held him guilty of contempt last week, as ''absconder''.

Talking to reporters here, Mr Patil said a team of city police officials are in Delhi to look for Khot, who was the additional Chief Secretary when the Supreme Court held him guilty. ''He should surrender. But, if he is not found, he will be declared absconder, even his property will be attached,'' he said.

Mr Patil said his government would do the needful to honour the Supreme Court's order sentencing Khot to one month imprisonment for violating court's orders regarding permitting saw mills in forest area during his tenure as Forest Secretary.

Mr Patil said Khot had spoken to Mumbai police commissioner A N Roy and DGP Dr P S Pasricha over telephone yesterday that he would surrender today. ''But, he has not done so till now. He has even switched off his mobile. Hence, the Mumbai police have initiated legal procedure of getting him declared absconder,'' he said.

Former Transport Minister 73- year old Surupsing Naik, who was also held guilty along with Khot, surrendered last Saturday and was sent to Thane Jail. But, since yesterday, he is in J J Hospital when he complained of chest pain. Mr Naik was Forest Minister when the contempt case of 2004 was tried against him.

UNI MR-ST ADG PA ND1606