EOW: IPS officer got Rs 2.6 crore in account from husband facing probe

MUMBAI: IPS officer Rashmi Karandikar received Rs 2.64 crore in her bank account from her husband Puroshattam Chavan, who is facing investigation in two cases of cheating and money laundering, according to a probe by the Economic Offences Wing.

The investigators also found that Karandikar invested the money in share market intraday trading, but lost. The EOW has written to the Maharashtra director general of police (DGP), seeking clarification if Karandikar had declared this in her asset disclosure. The money was received in a 90-day period between 2017 and 2018.

The police have not named her as an accused. When contacted by TOI, Karandikar responded via WhatsApp, "I am on medical leave and not in a condition to talk."

The EOW had registered two First Information Reports (FIRs) in February this year against Chavan and 11 others for allegedly duping 20 victims of Rs 24.78 crore under the pretext of providing government quota flats in Mumbai, Thane and Pune at concessional rates. Chavan allegedly misused his influence to promise flats and govt plots in Bhiwandi, Pune, Panvel, Sewri, and even plots belonging to the Bombay Port Trust (BPT). In addition to these cases, the Enforcement Directorate is separately probing Chavan in a Rs 263-crore income tax refund fraud.

"The money was transferred to Karandikar's account and not reversed. We have summoned her for questioning so that she can provide an explanation. However, she has not appeared so far, citing medical leave," an EOW official said. According to an associate of Karandikar, she has initiated divorce proceedings at the Bandra family court, citing mental cruelty, financial harassment, incompatibility, her husband's bipolar disorder, and concealment of financial dealings.

Karandikar reportedly vacated her official quarters located above Colaba police station without formally informing police headquarters.


Read the latest news on the go. Download the TOI app.