Cash Seized from Government Guest House Linked to Shiv Sena MLA's Aide

Investigation into Cash Seizure in Dhule

In Dhule district of Maharashtra, authorities have initiated an inquiry following the discovery of ₹1.8 crore in cash at a government guest house. This investigation involves questioning the personal assistant of Shiv Sena MLA Arjun Khotkar, as confirmed by a police official on Friday.

The opposition has raised concerns, alleging that the cash, amounting to ₹5 crore, was found late Wednesday night in room number 102 of the Gulmohar guest house, suggesting it was intended as a bribe ahead of a visit by the estimation committee.

According to the official, Khotkar's aide, Kishore Patil, was summoned before Dhule's Superintendent of Police, Shrikant Dhivare, where he was interrogated. Additionally, staff members from the Public Works Department (PWD) and the guest house were also questioned.

Officials noted that Patil was present in Dhule for the estimation committee's visit, which is chaired by Khotkar, a Shiv Sena MLA under the leadership of Eknath Shinde. In a related development, Superintendent Dhivare met with JP Swami, an officer from the Income Tax Department, to discuss the matter.

The police have seized footage from six CCTV cameras installed at the guest house and its premises as part of the investigation into the cash transactions. They have also confiscated the guest house's register, which records entries and exits.

In response to this incident, Ram Shinde, the Chairman of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, suspended Kishore Patil, the section officer of the state legislature, on Thursday.