Jaipur, Dec 19 (NationPress) On Friday, the Ethics Committee of the Rajasthan Assembly interrogated three MLAs who stand accused of soliciting commissions from MLA development funds. However, none of the legislators could provide any substantiating evidence during the proceedings.

Each MLA appeared before the committee separately. Independent MLA Ritu Banawat from Bayana was questioned first, followed by Congress MLA Anita Jatav from Hindaun and BJP MLA Revanthram Danga from Khinvsar.

When confronted directly about the allegations of demanding commissions, all three maintained their innocence. Upon being asked to present evidence to substantiate their claims, they requested additional time.

As a result, the committee granted them extensions: 15 days for Revanthram Danga, 7 days for Anita Jatav, and 10 days for Ritu Banawat.

They are expected to return on different dates for further questioning.

Revanthram Danga cited health issues and indicated he would respond to subsequent inquiries after consulting with his advisors. The decision to summon the three MLAs was made two days prior during a meeting of the Ethics Committee led by Kailash Verma. Notices were issued following a referral from Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani on Sunday.

The Ethics Committee consists of 12 MLAs, including Chairman Kailash Verma. These three legislators were implicated in a sting operation, where they were reportedly captured on video negotiating commissions in exchange for endorsing development projects from their MLA funds.

According to the sting, BJP MLA Revanthram Danga allegedly sought a 40 percent commission to secure a contract worth Rs 50 lakh.

Furthermore, Ritu Banawat’s husband was reportedly involved in the discussions. Congress MLA Anita Jatav is alleged to have accepted Rs 50,000 as a down payment. Chairman Kailash Verma mentioned that the committee would draft its report only after conducting further questioning. He added that they could summon additional individuals, including Ritu Banawat’s husband, if necessary.

Verma noted that Ritu Banawat claimed the video evidence was tampered with and called for a CBI investigation, along with a review of all MLA fund allocations from the past two years.

Anita Jatav denied any association with the letter, seal, or signatures displayed in the sting and submitted some documents while requesting seven days for further preparation.

Revanthram Danga asked for 15 days to collect information and formulate his response.

The chairman emphasized that the committee will thoroughly examine all evidence before submitting a factual report to the Assembly Speaker, after which further action will be determined.