15 current and former directors of Washim's Balaji sugar factory summoned for Nov 5 inquiry

Notices have been issued to 15 current and former directors and office-bearers of the Shri Balaji Sahakari Sugar Factory Limited at Masalapen village in Risod taluka of Washim district. The factory is in liquidation. An inquiry will now be held into irregularities at the factory. It has been ordered under Section 83 of the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act, 1960, in line with a Supreme Court order.

On the orders of the Regional Joint Director (Sugar), Amravati, Adv. Tulsidas Sarangdhar Jhore of Akola has been appointed inquiry officer. Adv. Jhore has sent official notices to 15 people connected with the factory, including its current and former directors and office-bearers. The objector in the case has also been served a notice.

Among those named in the notices are Vitthalrao Kondoji Shinde (Khandala), Parshuram Sitaram Gade (Savad), Dr Bhimrao Haibati Kamble (Vasari), Babarao Sahebrao Khadse (Shelu Khadse), Sunil Keshavrao Patil (Akola) and Bhagwanrao Ganpat Pawar (Risod). Notices have also gone to Laxman Sambhaji Karyade (Risod), Trimbak Gyanba Bonde (Vyad), Damodar Yashwant Gote (Tondgaon), Bandesingh Ramdas Rathod (Dhumka), Bhaskar Nagnath Gundewar (Hingoli), Narayan Sitaram Khedkar (Ravegar) and Vaijabai Bhagwan Gaikwad (Mahagaon).

The objector, Pandurang Thakre (Devkrupa, Ansing), has also been summoned. He has been asked to provide information and a written submission.

One copy of the inquiry order has been sent each to the Sugar Commissioner (Maharashtra State, Pune) and the Regional Joint Director (Sugar), Amravati. A copy has also gone to the liquidator of the Balaji cooperative sugar factory (Washim), for information and necessary action.

The hearing will be held at the office of the District Special Auditor-1, Cooperative Societies, at Pusad Naka, Washim. It is fixed for November 5, between 11 am and 2 pm.

All those named in the notices, and the objectors, have been directed to appear in person on the appointed day and time. They must bring their written replies and necessary documents so that they can put their case. The notice also asks all concerned to cooperate so that the inquiry can be completed as soon as possible.