Archana Kute Arrested in Pune in Rs 3,500 Crore Cooperative Credit Society Scam
Pune, 17th September 2025: The Maharashtra Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Tuesday announced a significant development in the Rs 3,500 crore Dnyanradha Multistate Cooperative Credit Society scam, with the arrest of two senior women linked to the firm.
Those taken into custody are Archana Kute, business promoter and wife of society chairman Suresh Kute, and Asha Padmakar Patodekar, a director of the society. Both were picked up from a residential flat in Baner, Pune, by the CID’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar unit.
Property Worth Over Rs 2 Crore Seized
During the operation, investigators seized assets valued at Rs 2.10 crore, including 60 gold ornaments worth Rs 80.91 lakh, 270 silver articles worth Rs 56.75 lakh, cash of Rs 63 lakh, and a BMW scooter priced at Rs 10 lakh, officials confirmed.
Thousands of Depositors Cheated
The cooperative society is accused of defrauding nearly 10,000 depositors across Beed, Jalna, and Parbhani districts. According to officials, as many as 95 cases have been registered against 90 individuals, including 14 board members of the society.
The CID had earlier arrested chairman Suresh Kute, but his wife had been on the run until now.
Officials Confirm Arrests
Speaking about the development, Additional Director General of Police (CID) Sunil Ramanand said, “The two arrested women were absconding for a long time. Our team received a tip-off about their presence in a flat at Baner in Pune on Tuesday evening. Our men reached the flat and took the two women into custody.”
He further added that the CID has already filed four charge sheets against the board of directors, governing body members, branch officials, and collaborators. “The charge sheets in the remaining cases will be submitted in due course,” Ramanand stated.
Background of the Case
The alleged financial fraud, pegged at Rs 3,500 crore, is one of the biggest cooperative society scams in Maharashtra in recent years. Thousands of depositors who had invested their life savings are still awaiting justice, while the CID continues to pursue other absconding accused.
