MUMBAI, GPN/ SACHIN MURDESHWAR 📞8108510506: Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Saturday warned that officials who helped alleged fraudster Ashok Kharat will face direct dismissal from service, not merely transfers. His warning has created anxiety among officials who may be linked to the Kharat case.

So far, 12 cases have been registered against Ashok Kharat. Of these, 8 cases are related to sexual exploitation of women, cheating, and black magic practices, while the remaining 4 cases involve financial fraud. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is conducting a detailed probe into all the cases. Information has also surfaced suggesting that several senior officials allegedly assisted Kharat. It is claimed that this includes officers from the Mantralaya to the local administrative level. In this context, Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule issued the warning.

Action Against All Involved Officials: Speaking on the matter, Bawankule said that officials who helped Ashok Kharat will not just be transferred but will face direct dismissal from service, regardless of the department they belong to. He described the case as one that has tarnished the cultural reputation of Maharashtra. He added that the SIT is conducting the investigation properly and urged anyone with evidence to submit it to the SIT. Strict action will be taken against those responsible for bringing disrepute to Nashik’s cultural image.

He further said that if any government officials are found to have helped Kharat, strict disciplinary action will be taken against them as well. Once the SIT provides names, such officials will not be retained in service. No one involved in the Kharat case will be spared. CCTV footage from areas linked to Kharat will also be examined, and action will be taken against those identified. Individuals who helped Kharat accumulate land and property will also face action, he said.

CMO Did Not Provide Information to Anjali Damania: Bawankule also rejected allegations that the Chief Minister’s Office provided information to social activist Anjali Damania regarding the case. He stated that the matter is highly sensitive and the CMO would not share such information. He suggested that Damania may have obtained the information independently and urged her to submit any evidence she has to the SIT. Referring to the Shirdi matter, he added that decisions are taken based on hearings, and anyone found involved in wrongdoing will face action.

[The Author Sachin Prabhakar Murdeshwar is a Sr. Journalist and Special Reporter in News Hub English and Marathi Daily Newspaper and Also Contribute News Article and Editorial in many Mainline Print and Digital Media]