Pune: CBI Files New Case Against IPS Officer Bhagyashree Navtake for Irregularities in Rs 1200 Crore BHR Scam Investigation

Pune, 17th October 2024: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a new case against IPS officer Bhagyashree Navtake, alleging irregularities in her handling of the BHR Scam investigation in Jalgaon. Navtake, who served as DCP of Economic Offenses Wing (EoW) in Pune City Police, is accused of mishandling the case related to defrauding the members of the credit institution, in collaboration with the liquidator of BHR and others.

During the tenure of the Mahavikas Aghadi government, cases related to this scam were initially registered at Deccan Police Station, Alandi, and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The investigation was subsequently transferred to the Economic Offenses Wing. Navtake led several raids across Jalgaon, creating a stir due to the simultaneous operations by women police officers in various locations.

The investigation was initially triggered by a complaint filed by the suspected accused, Sunil Zanwar and Kunal Shah, with the Director General of Police, accusing Navtake of procedural lapses. The Crime Branch of Pune Police investigated the BHR embezzlement based on their complaint. A report was submitted to the state home department by the CID, leading to an order for the Pune police to register a case. The curent Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Nikhil Pingle lodged a formal complaint at Bundgarden Police Station, against Navtake for her role in the investigation.

The Maharashtra state government eventually decided to transfer the investigation to the CBI. The central agency has now registered a new case against Navtake, citing charges of cheating and criminal conspiracy. Navtake, who had led the investigation into the ₹1,200 crore fraud case, is accused of failing to take appropriate legal action and allegedly acting with ulterior motives.

The CBI is currently collecting evidence against Navtake, with the officer being accused of rushing through the filing of charges and ignoring established procedures in the investigation.

Further developments in the case are awaited as the CBI continues its probe into Navtake’s role in the BHR Scam investigation.