Daijiworld Media Network - Pune

Pune, Apr 30: An FIR has been registered against Maharashtra cabinet minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil and 53 others in connection with an alleged loan waiver fraud of approximately Rs 8.86 cr. The case was filed on April 28 at Loni-Rahata Police Station in Ahilyanagar district, following a court directive.

The FIR names Vikhe Patil as accused number 19 and includes senior bank officials and directors of the Padmashri Vitthalrao Vikhe Patil Cooperative Sugar Factory, an entity linked to the minister. The complaint alleges financial misappropriation and misuse of a government loan waiver scheme meant for farmers.

The fraud dates back to between 2004 and 2006, when the factory’s board allegedly created forged documents in farmers' names to secure ‘basal dose’ loans, essential for plantation. The Union Bank and Bank of India sanctioned loans of Rs 3.11 cr and Rs 5.74 cr, respectively, but the funds were never disbursed to farmers. Instead, they were reportedly siphoned off by factory officials in collusion with bank employees.

In 2007, the accused allegedly submitted the fake loans as genuine to benefit from a government loan waiver scheme, causing significant financial losses. The FIR follows a complaint by Balasaheb Kerunath Vikhe, a farmer and cooperative member, who stated that the loans were sanctioned without the farmers' consent.

The accused face charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery, and misuse of government schemes. Police are investigating the matter, including examining records from the cooperative factory and the two banks involved.