Daijiworld Media Network - Raigad

Raigad, Oct 21: A shocking twist has emerged in the multi-crore financial fraud case in the Raigad Zilla Parishad, as one of the accused employees allegedly committed suicide by consuming poison. Jyotiram Pandurang Varude (48), a resident of Talashet, Indapur, Mangav Taluka, reportedly took the extreme step at his in-law’s house in Vidyanagar near Alibag.

The case dates back to February 2025, when Nirmala Kuchik, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, lodged a complaint at Alibag police station regarding a multi-crore financial fraud in the Women and Child Development Department of the Zilla Parishad. Following the complaint, a case was registered against Jyotiram Varude, Nana Kore, and Mahesh Mandavkar.

Sources indicate that Varude was under increasing mental stress during the ongoing investigation. On October 20, while at his in-law’s residence in Vidyanagar, he allegedly consumed a poisonous pesticide. He began vomiting and was rushed by family members to Alibag District Government Hospital. Despite medical intervention, he was declared dead by doctors at 6:30 AM on Monday, coinciding with Diwali.

Varude’s wife, Ashwini Varude (47), has filed a complaint with the Alibag police. The investigation is ongoing, and it remains unclear whether the suicide was driven by pressure from the financial scam or other personal reasons; authorities hope to clarify this in the coming days.

The incident has sent shockwaves across the Zilla Parishad. Employees are reportedly gripped by fear, and suspicions have once again reached senior officials. Meanwhile, demands for a transparent probe into the fraud case are gaining momentum from political and social circles. All eyes are now on the direction the investigation will take.