Pune: BJP Leader Datta Khade Questioned Over Karad’s FC Road Property Deals
Shivajinagar, 21st January 2025: The ongoing investigation into the murder of Beed Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh is taking a new turn every day. The Crime Investigation Department (CID) has arrested Valmik Karad in connection with an extortion case linked to the murder. Further scrutiny has revealed Karad’s extensive property acquisitions across Maharashtra, including three offices purchased under his wife’s name on Pune’s Fergusson College Road (FC Road). This has led to the questioning of BJP leader and former corporator Datta Khade by the CID.
Khade, who was summoned to Kej yesterday, faced two hours of questioning regarding his alleged involvement in facilitating Karad’s property purchases. Responding to media inquiries, Khade denied any wrongdoing, stating that his connection to Karad was limited to a few past interactions. He emphasized that he had no role in the FC Road property transactions and dismissed the allegations of aiding Karad.
The CID’s investigation has uncovered that Karad, a close aide of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Minister Dhananjay Munde, allegedly used illicit funds for these purchases. This revelation has sparked political debates in Pune, with speculation that Khade may have been issued a notice due to his prior role as a Pune Municipal Corporator in the area.
Khade clarified that while many individuals sought his advice on property deals during his tenure as a corporator, he had no involvement in Karad’s transactions. He attributed the allegations against him to attempts to implicate him unfairly due to caste dynamics and political rivalries.
