Maharashtra Minister Manikrao Kokate and Brother Sentenced to Two Years for Fraudulent Flats Acquisition
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Synopsis
The Nashik district court sentenced Maharashtra Minister Manikrao Kokate and his brother to two years in prison for fraudulently acquiring flats under the Chief Minister's quota. Both have been fined Rs 50,000 each, raising concerns about Kokate's political future.
Key Takeaways
- Manikrao Kokate and Vijay Kokate sentenced to two years in prison.
- Fined Rs 50,000 each for fraudulent acquisition of flats.
- Challenge to ruling expected in Bombay High Court.
- Case involved fake documentation to obtain government flats.
- Political implications for Kokate regarding his legislative position.
Nashik, Feb 20 (NationPress) The Nashik district court has sentenced Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate along with his brother Vijay Kokate to a two-year prison term, levying a fine of Rs 50,000 each for their involvement in embezzling flats allocated under the Chief Minister's quota through fraudulent means.
This decision jeopardizes Kokate's position as a legislator and minister.
Kokate, who was elected from the Sinnar Assembly segment led by Ajit Pawar of the NCP, has not yet publicly responded to the court's verdict.
Anand Paranjape, the NCP's Maharashtra chief spokesman, announced that Kokate plans to challenge the Nashik district court's ruling in the Bombay High Court.
The Chief Minister's quota aims to assist low-income individuals by providing flats at reduced rates, contingent upon an affidavit confirming they own no property. In 1995 and 1997, the Kokate brothers allegedly obtained two flats in Nirman View Apartment located in Canada Corner, Nashik, by submitting false documents. They were also found using two other flats in the same building that belonged to different individuals.
An investigation led by the then Additional District Collector resulted in a case being filed at the Sarkarwada police station under IPC sections 420, 465, 471, and 47 against Manikrao Kokate, his brother Sunil Kokate, and two others for defrauding the government.
A petition was filed against them by former Minister Tukaram Dighole, with the trial ongoing for several years in the Nashik District Court.
On Thursday, the court concluded the hearing, with government prosecutor Advocate Poonam Ghodke representing the state's interests. The court acquitted two other accused due to insufficient evidence, revealing that the Kokate brothers were using the flats belonging to others.
Political analysts suggest that Kokate has the option to appeal to the high court following the district court's ruling. As per current regulations, a public official sentenced to two years or more could face the loss of both their legislative seat and ministerial role.
