According to police sources, the case originated during an investigation into financial transactions linked to Shantanu Kukde, a former NCP office bearer who was arrested in a separate criminal case. While probing Kukde’s bank accounts, police discovered a transaction involving the transfer of ₹1 crore between Kukde and Deepak Mankar. Summoned for questioning, Mankar denied any financial dealings with Kukde and presented documents to support his claim.
However, upon verification, police found that the documents submitted by Mankar were forged. As a result, a case was registered against him for submitting fake documents and attempting to mislead the investigation. The charges include cheating and forgery under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.
When contacted by the media, Deepak Mankar declined to comment on the allegations or the ongoing investigation, stating that he would not issue any statement at this time.
This is not the first time Deepak Mankar has faced accusations of forgery and cheating. In previous years, he has been named in multiple cases involving land fraud, property disputes, and the use of fabricated documents. For example:
In 2018, Mankar was booked for allegedly using fake documents to grab land in Dhanori, Pune, along with three accomplices.
Police have also registered cases against him for swindling funds from land sales and abetment of suicide, highlighting a pattern of legal issues linked to property and financial transactions.
As the city president of NCP’s Ajit Pawar faction and a former deputy mayor, Deepak Mankar is a prominent political figure in Pune. The latest case has intensified scrutiny on his activities and could have ramifications for the party’s image, especially ahead of upcoming elections.
The incident also underlines the importance of transparency and accountability among public representatives. Legal experts and political analysts note that repeated allegations of forgery and cheating against a senior leader can erode public trust and damage the party’s credibility.
The case is currently under investigation by Pune police. Authorities are expected to further examine the documents, question relevant parties, and gather additional evidence. If the allegations are substantiated, Mankar could face prosecution and potential legal consequences.
