Got threat calls after complaining against Pankaja Munde, says Sawant

Mumbai, Jun 26: Maharashtra Congress spokesman Sachin Sawant today claimed that he received threatening calls after he filed a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Bureau accusing Women and Child Development Minister Pankaja Munde of clearing purchases worth Rs 206 crore without inviting tenders.

"I received about 40 anonymous calls since last evening. Some threatened to kill me while others wanted me to apologise to Pankaja," Sawant claimed.

He said he informed about the calls to his party leaders who advised him to lodge a formal police complaint. Sawant said he talked to Mumbai Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria over phone after receiving a couple of calls.

"Two constables from a local police station in my area visited me and have been temporarily stationed outside my residence," the leader said, adding that he will file a formal complaint with police later today regarding the threat calls.

The Fadnavis government was on Wednesday hit by first major allegation of a 'scam' after Congress accused Pankaja, daughter of BJP stalwart late Gopinath Munde, of clearing purchases worth Rs 206 crore on February 13 through 24 Government Resolutions.

A host of items including snacks, mats, dishes, water filters, medicines and books for children were purchased under the Integrated Child Development Services by the Women and Child Development Ministry.

Sawant had filed a complaint with the ACB on the issue and former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan had even sought a CBI probe.

Taking cognisance of the complaint, the ACB has sought a response from Women and Child Development (WCD) Department to the accusations levelled by Sawant.

Fadnavis had yesterday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi after which he said there was "no prima facie evidence" of any wrongdoing. Fadnavis, however, did not rule out ordering a probe but said it will be only after analysing the "minute details".

PTI