Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Congress MLA Hemant Katarehas levelled serious allegations against former Transport Minister Bhupendra Singh Thakur, accusing him of involvement in the questionable appointment of ex-RTO constable Saurabh Sharma. Katare claimed that the appointment was done based on fake and fabricated information, and demanded an inquiry by the Lokayukta into Thakur’s role in the matter.

Katare alleged that the former minister had asked Gwalior district collector to grant approval for Sharma’s appointment, despite it being against the norms. The MLA also claimed that Sharma was assigned to a check post in Thakur’s constituency, further questioning the integrity of the appointment process. According to Katare, the appointment was made under compassionate grounds, but the proper protocols and guidelines were violated.

Bhupendra threatens defamation suit

In response, Bhupendra Singh Thakur denied all allegations, accusing MLA Hemant Katare of organising the press conference under the influence of external parties. Thakur threatened to file a defamation lawsuit against Katare, insisting that he had not issued any notes regarding Sharma’s appointment. He said that during his tenure as Transport Minister, Sharma was not posted at any check posts under his constituency.

Thakur also challenged Katare’s personal integrity, asking, “Who are you trying to protect along with Saurabh?” He went on to question the MLA’s wealth, referring to his ownership of a petrol pump at ISBT and insinuating that Katare had accumulated property through questionable means. Thakur also claimed that Katare had been accused of rape and had allegedly manipulated forensic reports to cover up the incident.