ACB initiates open enquiry against 19 agriculture department officials over business ventures

Pune: The state Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has launched an open inquiry into 19 senior officials from the state agriculture department in Pune and nearby districts for allegedly operating agricultural businesses or industries while holding govt positions."We have initiated the open inquiry following directions from the govt," said Shirish Sardeshpande, superintendent of police (ACB), Pune. He added that although two of the officers have recently retired, the investigation against them will continue.The ACB will examine how these firms or business entities operate, how long they have been active, and what benefits the officers may have gained from them.According to a senior ACB officer, the bureau has obtained details such as the officials' names, designations, current postings, salary statements and other relevant information. "Our investigation is on," Sardeshpande said.The officials are reportedly involved in managing farm produce companies, fertiliser units, sales outlets, and other ventures, some of which have received govt subsidies.According to the ACB, these officials developed personal business interests while serving in govt roles. "We will also investigate how these companies or units were established and the advantages they gained," the officer said.Meanwhile, the bureau has written to the agriculture department seeking details about companies owned or managed by these officials, as well as information on any associated firms that received govt grants or subsidies.The issue was brought to the attention of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis last year, after which he instructed the ACB and the agriculture department to investigate. Following these directions, the ACB initiated the inquiry earlier this month.When contacted, a senior agriculture department official said, "The matter is under investigation. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on it at this moment."