Maharashtra Cabinet discusses Sonawane killing

Mumbai, Feb 2 (PTI) The killing of Nashik AdditionalCollector Yashawant Sonawane was today discussed in a meetingof Maharashtra Cabinet, where PWD Minister Chhagan Bhujbal issaid to have pushed for a CBI probe into the gruesome incidenton January 25.

The issue was raised by Bhujbal in the backdrop ofallegations by Opposition parties that the government hadlinks with the oil mafia, whose members are suspected to haveburnt alive Sonawane near Manmad when he went for a raid.

"Bhujbal said the Government is quiet over the issueand this is creating doubts in the minds of Oppositionparties. He said there is a strong public demand for a CBIprobe which should be considered," a Cabinet Minister saidafter the meet this evening.

The other Ministers expressed concern over the safetyof officials going for raids, he said.

In reply, Home Minister R R Patil said he has writtento the CBI Director to take over the probe. Chief MinisterPrithviraj Chavan assured to speak on the matter soon, theMinister said.

After the murder, the government is conducting raidsacross the state on oil and milk mafias.