Jharkhand liquor scam: After arrest of businessman, Opp demands cancellation of ambulance tender process
'The director of Sumeet Facilities has been arrested by Jharkhand police. We have been alleging for over a year that he is a part of over Rs 6,000-crore ambulance scam in the state. We raised the issue multiple times but the government neglected it. We will surely bring out more evidence, but as of now, it is important that the tender is stayed,' said NCP-SP MLA Rohit Pawar.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Friday accused the Maharashtra government of committing an 'ambulance scam' of Rs 800 crore, and claimed the money involved was diverted to a foundation run by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, a charge rejected by the ruling party.
Raut said a tender was floated by the state government for procurement of ambulances and its contract was awarded to a firm run by a close aide of Shrikant Shinde, son of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. 'The probe will bring out how much money has gone to a certain foundation for the election. It is clear that the present Maharashtra government needs clean up,' said Raut.
Earlier this week, Salunkhe was arrested by Jharkhand police in an alleged Jharkhand liquor scam. Salunkhe is an 11th arrest in this case and he is said to be close to Chhattisgarh businessman Siddharth Singhania, who is already under arrest.
In Maharashtra, Sumeet Facilities was given a tender to run ambulances (108 helpline) for the next 10 years along with BVG group. The tender was issued in the previous state government led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the Public Health minister was Tanaji Sawant. The Opposition had then alleged that the tender was issued at triple rates and extended undue benefits to the contractors. However, state Industries Minister and Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant rejected the allegations levelled by Raut.
'The charges have no basis. Shrikant Shinde has proved his worth as a part of the (Operation Sindoor) delegation (to countries which was led by several MPs including Shrikant Shinde). Maharashtra's people will not attach any value to such allegations,' the minister said.
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