Pune: Three office spaces in a building opposite Ferguson College in Pune were allegedly purchased under the name of Valmik Karad’s wife. The CID has summoned former BJP corporator Datta Khade for questioning, as he is suspected of assisting Karad in the property deal. Khade appeared before CID officials in Kej on Monday (January 20) to provide his statement.
Khade, who served as a corporator in the Pune Municipal Corporation for three terms, denied any involvement in the transaction. Speaking to reporters, he said, “I have been in public life for 40 years and have worked under the guidance of late Gopinath Munde. I met Valmik Karad only three to four times while Munde was alive, and I have had no contact with him since then.”
During the CID interrogation, Khade faced nearly 20 questions regarding his connection with Karad and whether Karad attended his son’s wedding. “I provided satisfactory answers to all their questions, and after two hours of questioning, I was released. If summoned again, I will fully cooperate,” he stated.
Office Purchase Allegations
The CID is investigating whether Khade played a role in facilitating Karad’s alleged purchase of office spaces on Ferguson Road. Addressing these allegations, Khade clarified, “As a former corporator of the area, many people seek my advice during property purchases for potential discounts.
However, I was not contacted about this specific purchase. The builder can provide details about the transaction. I have no involvement in this deal. Since Karad and I belong to the same caste, there seems to be an attempt to implicate me unnecessarily,” Khade said.
The CID is scrutinizing all aspects of the Ferguson Road property deal, including whether Khade’s political connections played a role in the transaction. Further investigations are ongoing to establish whether any irregularities occurred in the purchase.
