Pune: Milind Deshmukh Seeks Bail in Rs 1.42 Crore Gokhale Institute Fund Misuse Case
Pune, 17th April 2025: Milind Deshmukh, Secretary of the Servants of India Society, has filed a bail application while being held in judicial custody at Yerwada Jail. He is accused of irregularly diverting ₹1.42 crore from the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE).
According to Deshmukh’s lawyer, Advocate Ujjwala Pawar, the funds were allocated with due approval from the Society’s board for converting leased land owned by the Society in Nagpur into freehold property. Of the total amount, ₹1.02 crore was spent on formalities with the Nagpur district administration, and ₹40 lakh was transferred into the Society’s official account to complete the process.
Advocate Pawar argued that the funds were not misused or transferred to Deshmukh’s personal account. She also highlighted that audit reports related to the transactions were approved by the Charity Commissioner. On this basis, she contended that the charges of fraud and criminal breach of trust are not applicable.
The prosecution is expected to present its arguments in response to the bail plea. The court will review the government’s reply before making a final decision. Until then, Deshmukh will remain in judicial custody, with the next hearing scheduled for April 25.
