Lawyer Chavan removed as spl public prosecutor in corruption case against Kadam

In March, then Opposition leader and now deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had presented video recordings before the legislative assembly deputy speaker alleging that a few persons, including Chavan and members of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, could be heard conspiring “to frame BJP leaders”.

Ramesh Kadam, Pravin Chavan, MLA Ramesh Kadam, graft case Ramesh Kadam, Maharashtra, Mumbai news, Indian Express

Former MLA Ramesh Kadam (File)

The State government has cancelled the appointment of lawyer Pravin Chavan as special public prosecutor in a graft case against former MLA Ramesh Kadam, a special court was informed on Friday.

In March, then Opposition leader and now deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had presented video recordings before the legislative assembly deputy speaker alleging that a few persons, including Chavan and members of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, could be heard conspiring “to frame BJP leaders”. Chavan had then voluntarily resigned from the post of special public prosecutor in a case filed against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Girish Mahajan in Pune.

The court that the state government has cancelled Chavan’s appointment and appointed him in the latter’s place. He also placed on record the notification of his appointment issued by the state government dated July 21.

As per court records, Chavan had been appointed in the case since 2016 and had last appeared for the same during a hearing held earlier this month on July 8. The case relates to an FIR filed by Dahisar police in 2015, which was later transferred to the CID, to probe allegations including charges of cheating, forgery, criminal conspiracy and relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act against Kadam and others for allegedly misappropriating funds of Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe Magasvargiya Vikas Mahamandal.

On March 8, Fadnavis had submitted video recordings which he claimed ran into 125 hours and alleged that they contained proof of a conspiracy being hatched by leaders of the MVA to frame BJP leaders in false cases in the state. Chavan had called the allegations against him baseless.

Then Maharashtra Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil had in March informed the assembly that a probe will be conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) into the allegations raised by Fadnavis.

The change in the government has also resulted in change in other appointments including special public prosecutor Pradip Gharat last week being removed from the case against BJP member Mohit Kamboj related to an alleged bank fraud.

Sadaf Modak

Sadaf Modak is a distinguished Legal Correspondent based in Mumbai whose work demonstrates exceptional Expertise and Authority in covering the intricacies of the judicial and correctional systems. Reporting for The Indian Express, she is a highly Trustworthy source for in-depth coverage of courtroom proceedings and human rights issues. Expertise Specialized Role: As a dedicated Legal Correspondent, Sadaf Modak possesses deep, specialized knowledge of legal procedures, statutes, and judicial operations, lending immense Authority to her reports. Core Authority & Focus: Her work primarily centers on: Trial Court Proceedings: She mainly covers the trial courts of Mumbai, providing crucial, on-the-ground reporting on the day-to-day legal processes that affect citizens. She maintains a keen eye on both major criminal cases and the "ordinary and not so ordinary events" that reveal the human element within the justice system. Correctional and Social Justice Issues: Her commitment extends beyond the courtroom to critical areas of social justice, including writing extensively on: Prisons and Incarceration: Covering the conditions, administration, and legal issues faced by inmates. Juvenile Justice: Reporting on the complexities of the juvenile justice system and the legal rights of children. Human Rights: Focusing on fundamental human rights within the context of law enforcement and state institutions. Experience Institutional Affiliation: Reporting for The Indian Express—a leading national newspaper—ensures her coverage is subject to high editorial standards of accuracy, impartiality, and legal rigor. Impactful Detail: Her focus on trial courts provides readers with direct, detailed insights into the workings of the justice system, making complex legal narratives accessible and establishing her as a reliable and trusted chronicler of the legal landscape. Sadaf Modak's blend of judicial focus and commitment to human rights issues establishes her as a vital and authoritative voice in Indian legal journalism. She tweets @sadafmodak ... Read More

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