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By:

Rajendra Joshi

3 December 2024 at 3:50:26 am

Kolhapur cop sets new standard for investigations

Yogesh Kumar Gupta Kolhapur: When a police officer takes genuine interest in securing justice for citizens duped in financial fraud, investigations can move swiftly enough to lift the crushing burden off affected families. Kolhapur Superintendent of Police Yogesh Kumar Gupta has demonstrated precisely that. His firm and sensitive handling of a cheating case ensured relief for Akshay Deepak Dhale, a young entrepreneur from Kolhapur who had fallen prey to a Rajkot-based company that allegedly...

Kolhapur cop sets new standard for investigations

Yogesh Kumar Gupta Kolhapur: When a police officer takes genuine interest in securing justice for citizens duped in financial fraud, investigations can move swiftly enough to lift the crushing burden off affected families. Kolhapur Superintendent of Police Yogesh Kumar Gupta has demonstrated precisely that. His firm and sensitive handling of a cheating case ensured relief for Akshay Deepak Dhale, a young entrepreneur from Kolhapur who had fallen prey to a Rajkot-based company that allegedly promised to secure large government loans for business expansion. Gupta’s intervention compelled company representatives to travel to Kolhapur and assure repayment of the money collected, effectively forcing them onto the back foot. Dhale, a resident of Sadar Bazaar, had dreamt of expanding his late father’s small printing business after losing him during the Covid-19 pandemic. Lured by promises of securing a multi-crore loan under a Central government scheme, he transferred ₹69 lakh — raised from nearly 15 friends and relatives — to the company’s account. The loan, however, never materialised. When Dhale began making inquiries, he was met with evasive responses. The financial shock left the family devastated. Initial attempts to seek police help reportedly went nowhere, with the matter labelled as “non-criminal” and dismissed at the preliminary stage. Acting on advice, the family approached the district police chief directly. Gupta’s decisive stand altered the course of the case, leading to concrete assurances of refund from the company. However, a far larger challenge now looms before the Kolhapur police chief. Across Kolhapur — and reportedly other parts of Maharashtra — several Marathi youths claim to have been duped by a Morbi-based businessman who allegedly promises to set up “innovative” enterprises for aspiring entrepreneurs. The scale of the alleged fraud runs into crores of rupees. The businessman, said to be linked to a major tile industry in Morbi, is accused of luring youngsters through social media promotions and advertorials in prominent English dailies. Contracts are structured to appear transparent and legitimate. Prospective entrepreneurs are promised exclusive access to novel business models, often involving products sourced from Chinese markets, complete with projected marketing strategies and attractive feature lists. According to victims, payments are collected upfront, but the products eventually supplied lack the promised specifications and hold negligible market value. Several youths across Maharashtra are believed to have suffered losses. Those who have confronted the accused allege they were threatened with defamation suits and warned that a team of “expert lawyers” would ensure their financial and reputational ruin if complaints were filed. While some victims have resigned themselves to debt and despair, others who attempted to pursue police complaints claim they were turned away. For many of these young entrepreneurs, SP Yogesh Kumar Gupta represents a ray of hope. If he chooses to take up the matter with the same resolve demonstrated earlier, it could not only restore faith among affected youths but also send a strong deterrent message to fraudsters operating under the guise of innovation-driven enterprise.

Shinde objects to BJP candidates in four constituencies

Shinde

Mumbai: Tensions have surfaced within the Mahayuti alliance following the BJP’s announcement of its 99 candidates for the Maharashtra Assembly polls. The Shiv Sena faction, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has taken exception to the BJP’s decision to field candidates in four key constituencies: Kalyan East, Thane, Airoli, and Murbad. 


Specifically, Shiv Sena workers are opposed to Sulabha Gaikwad’s nomination in Kalyan East, citing her husband Ganpat Gaikwad’s alleged involvement in opening fire on Sena leader Mahesh Gaikwad. They demand a Shiv Sena leader be fielded instead.


Additionally, the BJP’s selection of Sanjay Kelkar in Thane, considered a stronghold of Shinde, has drawn ire from Shiv Sena workers. Similarly, the party is displeased with the BJP’s decision to field sitting MLA Kisan Shankar Kathore in Murbad and Ganesh Naik in Airoli. 


The latter’s son, Sandeep Naik, joined Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction after being denied a BJP ticket and will contest from Belapur. 


Notably, the BJP’s first list includes prominent figures like Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and state BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule.


The Mahayuti alliance’s internal rifts may impact its electoral prospects, as Shiv Sena workers have threatened not to campaign for the BJP candidates in the contested seats. 


With over 80 sitting MLAs re-contesting and five previous losers given another chance, the alliance’s dynamics will be closely watched. The Maharashtra Assembly elections are scheduled for November 20, with results to be announced on November 23.


Key Points of Contention

  • Kalyan East: Sulabha Gaikwad’s nomination is opposed due to her husband Ganpat Gaikwad’s alleged involvement in opening fire on Sena leader Mahesh Gaikwad.

  • Thane: Sanjay Kelkar’s selection has drawn ire from Shiv Sena workers, as Thane is considered a stronghold of Shinde.

  • Murbad: The party is displeased with the BJP’s decision to field sitting MLA Kisan Shankar Kathore.

  • Airoli: Ganesh Naik’s candidacy is opposed, especially since his son Sandeep Naik joined Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction after being denied a BJP ticket.

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