The Maharashtra prison system is under intense scrutiny after Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana founder and former MP Raju Shetti alleged a ₹500 crore scam in the procurement of goods for Yerwada Jail and other state prisons. Shetti has demanded a thorough investigation into the purchase of ration, canteen materials, and electrical equipment, claiming that a nexus of officials and contractors has led to large-scale embezzlement and the supply of substandard goods to inmates.

Raju Shetti’s allegations center on a centralized tender process that, he says, has enabled a few traders to monopolize supply contracts for Maharashtra’s prisons. At a press conference in Pune, Shetti revealed that essential items such as wheat, rice, sugar, and pulses were being purchased at rates significantly higher than prevailing market prices.

Shetti further claimed that the scam, which began in 2024, also involves the procurement of expired, inferior, and even moldy goods, putting the health and well-being of prisoners at risk. Despite written complaints from jail officials, including a detailed report by Jail Superintendent Harshad Ahirrao, no action has been taken by the state government or prison administration.

Highlighting procedural lapses, Shetti pointed out that in some cases, procurement orders were issued even before official tenders were published. Specifically, he cited an instance where a contractor was directed to supply goods worth over ₹2.5 crore before the tender process was formally initiated for Yerwada Jail in September 2024. This, he alleges, indicates collusion between prison officials and suppliers to bypass established procurement norms.

When questioned, senior prison officials refuted the allegations, insisting that all procurement follows government rules and is subject to transparency. Special Inspector General Jalindar Supekar stated, “The tender process is done as per government rules and regulations. It is a transparent procedure. The allegations that have been made are completely baseless. The matter is currently pending before the high court, hence I cannot comment further.” Former Additional Director General Amitabh Gupta, also named in the allegations, said the process did not occur during his tenure and declined further comment.

With the matter now before the high court and public pressure mounting, all eyes are on the state government’s next steps. Activists and opposition leaders are calling for greater transparency in prison procurement and regular audits to prevent future scams.