Raju Shetti Calls for Investigation into Yerwada Jail Purchases Amid ₹500 Crore Scam Allegations

Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana leader Raju Shetti has called for an investigation into alleged irregularities in the purchase of goods for Yerwada Jail, Pune, pointing out a ₹500 crore scam involving ration and equipment procurement.
Raju Shetti Calls for Investigation into Yerwada Jail Purchases Amid ₹500 Crore Scam Allegations
Raju Shetti The Bridge Chronicle
Published on

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.

Raju Shetti Calls for Investigation into Yerwada Jail Purchases Amid ₹500 Crore Scam Allegations
Yerawada to Katraj Twin Tunnel: Three Firms Submit Tenders to PMRDA for Historic Pune Project

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.

Raju Shetti Calls for Investigation into Yerwada Jail Purchases Amid ₹500 Crore Scam Allegations
Pune: Court Sentences Man to Five Years in Jail for Cruel Act with Mentally Challenged Girl

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.

Help Us Create the Content You Love

Take Survey Now!

Enjoyed reading The Bridge Chronicle?
Your support motivates us to do better. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Whatsapp to stay updated with the latest stories.
You can also read on the go with our Android and iOS mobile app.

Related Stories

No stories found.
logo
The Bridge Chronicle
www.thebridgechronicle.com