MLA Arjun Khotkar & Others Link Surfaces in Dhule Cash Haul Probe.

Unmesh Gujarathi
Sprouts News Exclusive
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A staggering Rs. 1.84 crore was seized from a Dhule government guest house room linked to Arjun Khotkar’s PA, sparking allegations of corruption during a legislative committee visit. Police have launched a probe, seizing CCTV footage, while opposition demands arrests and accountability from the involved legislators.

MLAs involved in the Estimates Committee: Arjun Khotkar, Manda Mhatre, Kiran Samant, Shekhar Nikam, Kailas Patil, Manisha Chaudhary, Kishor Patil, Rajesh Rathod.

In a startling revelation, law enforcement authorities recovered Rs. 1.84 crore in cash from Room No. 102 of the Gulmohar Government Guest House in Dhule, a room allegedly reserved under the name of Kishore Patil, personal assistant to Arjun Khotkar, Chairman of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly’s Estimates Committee. This high-profile incident has sparked widespread outrage and deepened public scrutiny of state politicians.

Sprouts News Special Investigation Team (SIT) Team has learned that following the recovery, Dhule District Superintendent of Police Srikant Dhivare initiated an in-depth investigation. Six CCTV cameras installed at the guest house have been seized, and police now possess video footage spanning the critical timeline between May 15 and May 21, when the suspected illicit activity occurred.

The seizure coincided with a scheduled visit by the Estimates Committee to Dhule, fueling speculation that the seized funds were intended as bribes from local contractors hoping to curry favor with the legislative body. Unconfirmed sources allege that the cash was orchestrated as part of a payoff scheme to influence committee findings or approvals.

In a serious escalation, SP Dhivare personally consulted with senior Income Tax Department official J.P. Swamy to explore potential tax violations and money laundering angles. The collaboration between local police and central agencies points to the gravity with which this scandal is being handled.

Reacting swiftly, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the scandal. However, this move has been met with skepticism. Former MLA Anil Gote publicly questioned the credibility of the SIT, alleging that the same CM had altered investigation teams based on appeals by accused persons, thereby undermining public trust.

The Sprouts News Team notes growing public sentiment demanding transparency and accountability, particularly in investigations involving elected officials and large sums of unaccounted cash.

Police have begun recording statements from a range of individuals, including Public Works Department officers and guest house staff. A logbook detailing visitor entries and exits during the crucial period has also been seized. Authorities are now verifying the identities and purposes of all individuals who accessed the premises between May 15 and May 21.

A comprehensive forensic analysis of CCTV footage is underway to determine if Kishore Patil or any committee members were directly involved in handling or storing the money. The Sprouts News Team confirms that the Department aims to complete a full timeline of events before submitting findings to state-level authorities.

Facing mounting pressure, Arjun Khotkar has categorically denied that his aide Kishore Patil was present at the location, stating, “My PA was not in Room No. 102 nor involved in any activity related to the cash seizure. The Estimates Committee has no connection to the incident.”

This statement, however, contradicts the booking records that reportedly link Patil to the reserved room. Political observers are now questioning whether Khotkar’s distancing is a calculated damage-control strategy.

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Opposition Leader in the Legislative Council, Ambadas Danve, has demanded the immediate arrest of Kishore Patil, terming the incident a “gross abuse of legislative privilege.” Danve added, “If public servants use their positions to facilitate corruption, strict action must be taken without political interference.”

The situation has placed several MLAs under scrutiny, including Manda Mhatre, Kiran Samant, Shekhar Nikam, Kailas Patil, Manisha Chaudhary, Rajesh Rathod, and others—all members of the same Estimates Committee. The growing outrage is resonating across constituencies, with citizens asking: “Is this why we elect our representatives?”

The ongoing scandal has underscored a credibility crisis in Maharashtra’s governance apparatus. While Khotkar and other legislators attempt to distance themselves, public faith in institutional accountability continues to erode.

As the investigation unfolds, political analysts suggest this case could serve as a litmus test for how Maharashtra handles allegations of political corruption, especially when they intersect with administrative tours, government properties, and public trust.