Maharashtra Minister Manikrao Kokate and Brother Sentenced to Two Years in EWS Flats Fraud Case

Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Convicted for Fraudulent Housing Allotment

NASHIK: In a significant legal development, Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate and his brother, Vijay, have been sentenced to two years of rigorous imprisonment after being convicted for fraudulently securing flats under the state’s 10% housing quota for economically weaker sections (EWS) back in 1995. The conviction was handed down by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Rupali Narwadiya.

Details of the Conviction

The court found both Kokate and his brother guilty of five offences related to cheating and forgery under the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Each was fined Rs 10,000 for every offence, totaling Rs 50,000 each. The court also ordered the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) and the Nashik Deputy Collector (Urban Land Ceiling) to cancel their flat allotments after the appeals period concludes.

Bail Granted for Appeal

Following the ruling, the court granted bail to the Kokate brothers, allowing them to appeal their convictions in a sessions court in Nashik. Under the Representation of the People Act, a legislator faces disqualification if convicted for two years or more unless the conviction is stayed.

Political Implications

This conviction marks the second major legal issue for Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), following the allegations against another minister, Dhananjay Munde, in a murder case. Kokate has described the case as “politically motivated,” citing a complaint raised by then MLA and former minister Tukaram Dighole.

Looking Ahead

As Kokate prepares to file an appeal, he maintains that he has not yet reviewed the judgment. The court highlighted the seriousness of the case, noting Kokate’s position as a public servant and advocate at the time of the incident.

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