Mumbai: A major political controversy has erupted in Maharashtra following the seizure of Rs 1.84 crore in cash from Room No. 102 at the Gulmohar Government Guest House in Dhule. The dramatic incident unfolded during the visit of the Maharashtra Legislature’s Estimates Committee, sparking serious allegations of bribery, corruption cover-up, and political conspiracy.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut and former MLA of Dhule Anil Gote have alleged that the money was intended to bribe committee members to suppress irregularities in local development projects. Raut claimed that more than Rs 5 crore in cash was brought to the guest house during the committee’s visit. “The money was meant to influence the committee’s findings and bury evidence of administrative corruption,” he alleged.
Raut further stated that local UBT leaders, including Gote, discovered the cash, locked the room, and stood guard for hours. Despite informing the District Collector, Superintendent of Police, and the Anti-Corruption Bureau, no immediate action was taken, he alleged. “There was no cooperation from the administration,” Raut remarked.
Gote alleged that the room where the cash was found was booked in the name of Kishore Patil, personal assistant to Arjun Khotkar, chairman of the Estimates Committee and a Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) MLA. Gote challenged the government and Khotkar directly, saying, ‘If I am lying, arrest me. The government is yours.’ He also asked pointed questions, “Who does this Rs 1.84 crore belong to? Why was your PA present there from May 15?”
In response, Arjun Khotkar strongly denied any connection to the money or the room booking. “My PA told me he had booked a different room, not Room 102,” he claimed. Khotkar accused Gote and the UBT faction of the Shiv Sena of staging a politically- motivated drama.
“This is a deliberate attempt to defame the government and the Estimates Committee. Gote has a history of making baseless allegations for political mileage,” Khotkar observed.
Khotkar also questioned the timing and motive behind the allegations, stating, “Is this part of a larger plan to malign the state government and discredit the work of the Estimates Committee?”
Meanwhile, Dhule Superintendent of Police Shrikant Dhivare confirmed that an investigation is underway into the source of the seized money and the individuals involved. The Estimates Committee, empowered to audit and examine how public funds are spent in various districts, plays a crucial role in ensuring financial transparency.
The current controversy has not only shaken the political landscape in Maharashtra but also raised serious concerns about the integrity of public institutions.
As investigations continue, all eyes are on the findings of the police and whether the accusations will lead to criminal proceedings or prove to be, as some claim, a political smokescreen.
