Mumbai, June 05: NCP, the main constituent of the ruling DF in Maharashtra, today demanded a CID probe into the alleged incident of some persons attempting to bribe activists of anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare. Referring to media reports about some persons attempting to bribe activists of anti-corruption organisation headed by Hazare, NCP state unit spokesman Vasant Chavan told reporters that an attempt is being made to tarnish the image of the party.

Media reports had said that some supporters of energy minister Dr Padamsinh Patil on May 31, 2003 met Dagdu Kisan Mapari, an associate of Hazare, and allegedly offered him bribe to not level corruption charges against the minister. Patil has already denied involvement of his supporters in the incident.

Chavan expressed surprise over the incident getting wide publicity in the media even though no police case has been registered in the bribery attempt.

Hazare has levelled charges of corruption against NCP ministers--Patil, Sureshdada Jain, Dr Vijaykumar Gavit and Nawab Malik.

Chavan said the entire controversy in this regard seems to be an attempt to defame the NCP and advised Hazare to introspect before making any allegations.

Bureau Report