Pratap Sarnaik Hit as HC Reopens Tops Group Scam
• Magistrate’s Order to Close Case Quashed
• Fresh Probe in Tops Group Fraud
Unmesh Gujarathi
Sprouts News Exclusive
Contact: +91 9322755098
Sprouts News Exclusive
Contact: +91 9322755098
The Bombay High Court quashed the magistrate’s order closing the Tops Group scam case, involving Shinde faction minister Pratap Sarnaik. Allegations include massive irregularities in MMRDA’s security contract. The ED and whistleblower Ramesh Iyer challenged the closure, leading to fresh hearings and renewed legal troubles for Sarnaik.
In a major development in the multi-crore Tops Group scam, the Bombay High Court has delivered a significant blow to Maharashtra minister and Shinde faction leader Pratap Sarnaik. The court quashed the metropolitan magistrate’s decision to accept the Economic Offences Wing’s (EOW) closure report, which had provided relief to Sarnaik, and ordered the magistrate to reopen the case and conduct fresh hearings.
The Tops Group was awarded a lucrative contract to supply 350 to 500 security guards to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). Allegations of large-scale financial irregularities emerged surrounding the execution of this contract. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had earlier registered a money laundering case against Pratap Sarnaik under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), linking him directly to the alleged scam.
ED and Whistleblower Challenge Closure in High Court
The metropolitan magistrate had previously accepted the closure report filed by Mumbai Police’s EOW, effectively bringing the investigation to a halt and offering Sarnaik a major reprieve. However, this decision was challenged in the Bombay High Court by both the Enforcement Directorate and Ramesh Iyer, a former employee of Tops Group who originally filed the complaint and exposed the irregularities.
The High Court bench, led by Justice Madhav Jamdar, heard the petitions and criticized the magistrate for failing to exercise judicial discretion appropriately. According to the court, the magistrate should have independently examined the evidence and documentation before accepting the EOW’s closure report. The court noted that merely stating the complainant had no objection was insufficient grounds to terminate the case.
Judiciary Slams Magistrate’s Oversight, Reopens High-Profile Corruption Case
The Bombay High Court observed that the magistrate acted without applying due diligence and failed to scrutinize material evidence before delivering the decision. While quashing the closure order, the court explicitly remarked that the magistrate’s approach was procedurally flawed and did not meet the standards of fair investigation and judicial prudence.
Consequently, the court has remanded the case back to the metropolitan magistrate for a fresh hearing. This development has once again placed Pratap Sarnaik at the center of controversy, as the Tops Group scam continues.
Money Laundering & Kickbacks in Tops Group Scam
ED allegations: Sarnaik is accused of receiving ₹7 crore in kickbacks via associate Amit Chandole for facilitating a ₹175 crore MMRDA security contract for Tops Group. Phone and WhatsApp records reportedly document planned bribes to MMRDA officials and complimentary security services at his son’s wedding.
•NSEL Scam – Property Attachment
•Asset seizure: ED attached assets worth ₹11.35 crore (two flats, one land parcel in Thane) in a larger ₹5,600 crore National Spot Exchange Limited (NSEL) money-laundering case under the PMLA.
Also Read: Patil Medical College Scam Exposed: SIT Uncovers Fee & Record Fraud.
Unauthorized Construction & Infrastructure Irregularities
•Thane Municipal fine: TMC imposed a ₹3.09 crore penalty on Sarnaik for allegedly constructing four extra floors without permission in Vartak Nagar, later regularized via TDR.
•Political backlash: BJP district president accused him of misusing government funds ahead of elections, sending a complaint to CM Shinde over alleged irregularities in local development.
Controversial Public Statements & Threats
•Threat to Kangana Ranaut: Sarnaik reportedly threatened Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut, suggesting, “our warriors will break her mouth” if she entered his territory, following her critical remarks about Mumbai.
•Language issue: MNS attacked him for perceived disregard of Marathi language and identity, displaying banners in Pune with poetic criticism .
Defamation Lawsuits & Political Feuds
•Legal action: Filed a ₹100‑crore defamation suit against BJP leader Kirit Somaiya in response to allegations of irregularities in his Vihang Garden project.
Public Perception & Social Media Critique
Reddit threads spotlight his rapid wealth accumulation and alleged business influence:
“MLA Pratap Sarnaik… worked with Shiv Sena and rose… now it’s definitely top 1%… never buy anything from his business cuz he’s a big time scammer.”
• Pratap Sarnaik has been embroiled in financial and political controversies involving corruption, money laundering, unauthorized construction, public intimidation, and legal battles—all drawing scrutiny from ED, MMRDA, TMC, rival parties, and public discourse.
