Vaishnavi Hagvane Case: IG Jalindar Supekar Under Investigation for ₹500 Crore Prison Scam Since January 2025
The scam centers on the alleged embezzlement and corruption in the purchase of essential goods, including food, groceries, and electrical equipment for state prisons across Maharashtra between 2023 and 2025. According to farm leader and former MP Raju Shetti, the fraud occurred during the tenure of Additional Director General of Police (Prisons) Amitabh Gupta and IG Jalindar Supekar, who was Special Inspector General of Police (Headquarters) at the Maharashtra prison department, Pune.
Know With TBC: Allegations on IG Jalindar
Wheat, rice, sugar, lentils, and other supplies were allegedly bought at prices much higher than the prevailing market rates, with wheat purchased at ₹45.90 per kg (market rate: ₹30–35), rice at ₹44.90 (market: ₹35), and tuar dal at ₹209 (market: ₹100).
Reports claim that substandard, expired, and even moldy items were supplied to prisons, endangering the health and welfare of inmates.
The centralized tender process allegedly favored certain traders, allowing a monopoly and facilitating large-scale corruption.
Despite written reports from jail officials highlighting these irregularities, no prompt action was taken by the administration.
IG Jalindar Supekar, a senior officer in the Maharashtra prison department and uncle to Shashank Hagvane, has been named in multiple public allegations and press conferences by Raju Shetti and other whistleblowers. Supekar has defended himself, stating that the tender process followed government rules and was transparent. He has called the allegations “baseless” and noted that the matter is currently pending before the high court, declining to comment further.
The scam has triggered widespread outrage in Maharashtra, with demands for a thorough investigation and accountability for all involved, regardless of their position. The case has also intensified scrutiny of the Hagvane family, already under the spotlight due to Vaishnavi’s death and ongoing allegations of dowry harassment.
The exposure of such large-scale corruption in the prison system has shaken public confidence in law enforcement and state administration. Opposition leaders and social activists are calling for independent probes and strict action against all officials implicated in the scam.
As of May 2025, the investigation into the ₹500 crore prison procurement scam is ongoing. The case is before the high court, and both Amitabh Gupta and Jalindar Supekar remain under scrutiny by anti-corruption agencies and the judiciary. The outcome of this inquiry could have far-reaching implications for Maharashtra’s prison administration and governance standards.
