Agriculture Minister sentenced to two years jail in connection with forged real estate documents
A Nashik District Court sentenced Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate, a leader of the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, and his brother Vijay Kokate to two years in prison and imposed a fine of ₹50,000 on Thursday in connection with the sale of a flat based on forged documents. Following the verdict, Kokate was granted bail.
Manikrao Kokate was present in court during the hearing and stated that he intends to appeal the verdict in the High Court. After the sentence was pronounced, his lawyer initiated the bail process.
“A complaint of fraud was filed by the late Minister of State, Tukaram Dighole. However, we later became good friends. At that time, I had just entered politics. I do not recall whether I was an MLA or not. Nevertheless, after the legal case was filed, the proceedings continued for 30 years, and the court delivered its verdict on Thursday,” Kokate said. Also Read | “Horticulture for Viksit Bharat” is the theme for the National Horticulture Fair 2025
Manikrao Kokate was accused of purchasing a house under the government’s 10% quota by falsely declaring a low income between 1995 and 1997. The then Additional District Magistrate investigated the matter and registered a case at the Sarkarwada police station. Later, Kokate established a business in the house he had acquired using government subsidies intended for low-income individuals. The house, located near Nirman School View in the Canada Corner area of Nashik, became the site for a milk dairy processing business started by Kokate. The business was inaugurated by the then Guardian Minister of Nashik, Girish Mahajan of the BJP, who is known to be a close confidant of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, sources said.
Minister Manikrao Kokate claimed that the case against him was filed due to political rivalry with the then Minister of State, Tukaram Dighole. “Because of that enmity, he informed the government and filed a case against me. The verdict has come today after 30 years. I have followed all legal procedures. Politically, there have been many such verdicts in the country. I will approach the High Court. Just as the court has the right to deliver its judgment, I, as a citizen, also have the right to seek justice,” Kokate stated.
Legally, the Nashik District Court’s verdict could jeopardize Kokate’s ministerial position and MLA status, as per the law, an elected representative sentenced to two years or more cannot remain in office. However, former Secretary of the Legislative Assembly, Anant Kalse, stated that Kokate has legal options available. Also Read | ‘Kisan Ki Baat’, radio program to provide farmers with scientific information
“The district court has sentenced Kokate to two years in prison. He will certainly appeal this verdict in the High Court. If his sentence is stayed by the High Court, he may receive relief, and the sessions court’s sentence may not be enforced. However, if no stay is granted, his membership in the Maharashtra legislature could be at risk, or he may even lose it. He also has the option of approaching the Supreme Court if the High Court does not stay the sessions court’s sentence,” Anant Kalse said.
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