With the opposition blaming Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal in the Yashwant Sonawane killing, state home minister RR Patil today said that the name of no politician has come across in the probe.
"We have not come across any politician's name in our investigation. Allegations about NCP leaders being involved have not come to me. If I am given proof, I will take stern action," Patil said.
State BJP president Sudhir Mungantiwar had criticised Bhujbal, who is the guardian minister of Nashik district, and blamed him for burning alive additional district collector Sonawane by suspected members of an oil mafia at Manmad in Nashik.
Bhujbal yesterday lashed out at the opposition, saying, "How is a guardian minister responsible? We had complained to police about activities of oil mafia. Action had been taken against Popat Shinde, the accused. He was externed from Manmad and his oil tanker was also seized."
Patil said raids against the mafia have started since last night and 163 people have been arrested.
"All district police have been given instructions to find out details from the food and drug department. We will crack down on oil, milk and sand mafia," he said.
Though police don't have the right to conduct raids, in yesterday's meeting with the CM and deputy CM, it has been decided that police can go ahead with such raids, Patil said.
