Sonawane killing: Patil says no mention of politicians

Mumbai, Jan 27 (PTI) With Opposition blaming Maharashtraminister Chhagan Bhujbal in the Yashwant Sonawane killing,state Home Minister R R Patil today said name of no politicianhas come across in the probe.

"We have not come across any politician''s name in ourinvestigation. Allegations about NCP leaders being involvedhave not come to me. If I am given proof, I will take sternaction," Patil said.

State BJP president Sudhir Mungantiwar had criticisedBhujbal, who is the guardian minister of Nashik district, andblamed him for burning alive additional district collectorSonawane by suspected members of an oil mafia at Manmad inNashik.

Bhujbal yesterday lashed out at the opposition, saying,"How is a guardian minister responsible? We had complained topolice about activities of oil mafia. Action had been takenagainst Popat Shinde, the accused. He was externed from Manmadand his oil tanker was also seized."

Patil said raids against the mafia have started sincelast night and 163 people have been arrested.

"All district police have been given instructions tofind out details from the food and drug department. We willcrack down on oil, milk and sand mafia," he said.

Though police don''t have the right to conduct raids, inyesterday''s meeting with the CM and deputy CM, it has beendecided that police can go ahead with such raids, Patil said.