Is Maharashtra Minister Yogesh Kadam Involved in Illegal Sand Mining and Dance Bar Raid?

Mumbai, July 18 (NationPress) Shiv Sena-UBT lawmaker Anil Parab, on Friday, accused Maharashtra's Minister of State for Home (Urban) and Revenue, Yogesh Kadam, during a session in the State Council of being linked to the illicit sand mining trade and the Savali bar in Kandivali, located in the western suburbs. Recently, the police executed a raid at this bar, leading to the detention of 22 bar girls.

Parab demanded the immediate resignation of Minister Kadam. He stated, "I possess evidence, including photographs, that showcase his connections to illegal sand mining and a police report about the raid on a dance bar, which is licensed under his mother's name. Yogesh Kadam must step down, or Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis should compel him to resign." This was articulated during a discussion on a motion concerning the law and order situation in the state from the previous week.

The Shiv Sena-UBT leader presented images of illegally stored sand found at Yogita College, an institution operated by the Kadam family, including his father, former Minister Ramdas Kadam.

"The state government approved the desilting of the Jagbudi river. Farmers should receive the silt and sand for personal use. However, all of this is being diverted to Kadam. Photographs reveal sand and silt on the premises of Yogita College. Aqib Mukadam and 18 others linked to Yogesh Kadam are implicated in illegal sand mining and trade, and the Minister of State for Revenue is personally involved in this illicit operation," Parab asserted.

He pointed out that the Savali bar's permit is listed under Jyoti Ramdas Kadam, who is Yogesh Kadam's mother.

"I have a police panchnama indicating that the Savali bar was operating during the raid, with both girls and customers engaged in indecent activities, which is prohibited under the license. The bar's license is under Jyoti Kadam -- the mother of Yogesh Kadam. They might argue that they are not managing the bar but have leased it out. Nevertheless, according to legal provisions, the owner is still held accountable for any violations," Parab explained.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who was absent from the State Council during these allegations, later informed the assembly that he would review the documents pertaining to the case.

"I haven’t reviewed the documents. Please provide me with the evidence. If there is any validity to these claims, I will initiate appropriate actions," he stated.

In contrast, Yogesh Kadam denied the accusations made by Anil Parab, labeling them as unfounded and intended to tarnish his reputation.

He told reporters, "My mother's name has been implicated in these allegations. At the right time, I will demonstrate that all these accusations are false and that the evidence presented by Anil Parab is fabricated."