Former MP Raju Shetty Alleges Rs 500 Crore Scam in Purchase of Goods for Prisoners; Demands Investigation
Pune, 6th March 2025: Former MP Raju Shetty, president of the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana, has alleged a scam of over Rs 500 crore in the purchase of essential goods for prisoners in the state’s prisons. Shetty made these allegations during a press conference in Pune, demanding an investigation into the roles of then Additional Director General of Police Amitabh Gupta and Inspector General of Police Jalindar Supekar.
During the press conference, Shetty stated, “The centralized tender process shows the monopoly of certain traders. As a result, wheat, which is available for Rs 30-35 in the market, is being purchased at Rs 45.90; rice worth Rs 35 is being purchased at Rs 44.90; and tuar dal, which costs Rs 100 per kilo, is being purchased at Rs 209. A scam involving over Rs 500 crore in the procurement of goods such as food, groceries, and electrical appliances has been ongoing since 2024. Many top state officials are involved in this scam. We are demanding an investigation.”
Shetty further pointed out that the state government spends significant amounts on maintaining prisoners in the state’s jails. However, he alleged that low-quality goods are being purchased at prices higher than the market rate. In many cases, expired, inferior, and moldy items are being supplied to prisons. Despite a written report submitted by Jail Superintendent Harshad Ahirrao regarding these issues, no action has been taken, he added.
Note: This report will be updated after getting statements of Amitabh Gupta and Jalinder Supekar.
