Jalgaon: Loan Probe Against Gulabrao Deokar Begins Soon After Joining Ajit Pawar's NCP

Barely 24 hours after former minister Gulabrao Deokar switched allegiance from NCP-SP to NCP-AP, the Co-operative Department launched an investigation into a Rs 10 crore loan taken by his educational institution from the Jalgaon District Central Co-operative Bank. The timing of the inquiry has sparked a stir in political circles and is expected to increase Deokar’s troubles.

Deokar, along with four former MLAs, joined the Ajit Pawar-led NCP on Saturday in Mumbai. The move drew sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which accused Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar of disregarding protocol during the induction. Jalgaon Guardian Minister Gulabrao Patil also voiced his opposition, alleging that Deokar had joined the Ajit Pawar camp "to hide his sins".

The loan in question was availed while Deokar served as a director of the district bank. According to a complaint filed by Suresh Patil from Zurkheda, the Rs 10 crore loan granted to Deokar’s educational institution was not sanctioned in accordance with banking norms. Acting on the complaint, a team from the Co-operative Department visited the district bank on Monday to collect information. Officials confirmed that the bank had submitted the relevant documents related to the case.

In addition to this particular loan, officials indicated that other matters related to Deokar are also under scrutiny. The launch of the investigation so soon after his political shift, ironically to the ruling Mahayuti member NCP, has intensified speculation about the motives behind the timing and the potential implications for Deokar’s political future.