everal officers in PWD turned rich overnight and began flaunting their wealth. "PWD is the one of the most corrupt department in the state," said senior government official.
A few years ago, an ACB raid on properties of Satish Chikhlikar, chief engineer of Nashik division, had seen recovery of cash and jewellery worth Rs 8.70 crore. Similarly, Anil Gaikwad, a chief engineer from Thane, saw an unprecedented rise in his wealth. Apparently Gaikwad, also an accused in the Sadan scam, was known as the collection man.
"Gaikwad had properties worth not less than Rs2,000 crore. He used to commute to Mantralaya in an Audi. He owned 17 cars and several houses and had started various firms in his family members' names. Interestingly, his
brother Sunil Gaikwad recently got elected as an MP on a BJP ticket," said a source.
Another Bhujbal man was Dhule resident Sandeep Bedse, who fought the last state polls on an NCP ticket and spent nearly Rs30 crore. Bedse was an officer on special duty for Bhujbal. "When Bedse was about to resign, he collected nearly Rs 10 crore from various PWD engineers promising them plum postings. Currently, he is the district president of NCP," said a source.
