Key Highlights:
- IPS officer Bhagyashree Navtake is accused of forgery and criminal conspiracy in a ₹1,200 crore ($142 million) scam case.
- The scam involves the Jalgaon-based Bhaichand Hirachand Raisoni Credit Society, where multiple individuals were allegedly cheated with false promises of high interest on fixed deposits.
- The case was registered after a CID report highlighted serious procedural lapses during Navtake’s investigation.
Overview of the Scam
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has booked Maharashtra IPS officer Bhagyashree Navtake for forgery and conspiracy related to a massive ₹1,200 crore scam. The officer had led the probe into this scam, which dates back to 2015 and involves widespread fraud committed by the Bhaichand Hirachand Raisoni Credit Society, which misled numerous individuals with promises of attractive interest rates on fixed deposits.
Allegations and CID Findings
Navtake, who was the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) Superintendent in Chandrapur during the period in question, is facing charges under sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 466 (forgery), 474 (using forged documents), and 201 (destruction of evidence) of the Indian Penal Code.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Maharashtra conducted a detailed inquiry and discovered significant lapses in her handling of the case. The report highlighted:
- Forgery in registering three separate cases under one crime in a single day.
- Obtaining complainants’ signatures without their physical presence.
These procedural violations raised concerns over her involvement in shielding key suspects or tampering with evidence during the investigation.
Legal Actions and Ongoing Investigation
In August, the Pune Police filed a case against Navtake after the CID’s findings. Following this, the Maharashtra Home Department ordered further investigation into her actions, leading to the CBI’s involvement. As the probe continues, authorities are examining her role in the mishandling of the ₹1,200 crore scam and any potential collusion with the accused.
Conclusion
The involvement of a high-ranking IPS officer in such a significant scam has raised serious questions about the integrity of the investigation process. With the CBI now taking charge, a thorough probe is expected to unravel the truth behind this massive financial fraud.
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