Thane Court Rejects Bail, Calls Out ACB Over Investigation Lapses
THANE: The Thane Sessions Court on Friday refused to grant bail to suspended Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) Deputy Commissioner Shankar Patole and co-accused Omkar Gaikar and Sushant Surve in a high-profile bribery case. The court said the probe hinted at “financial layering,” suggesting a possible money-laundering angle.
Judge Slams ACB for “Shoddy” Probe
Additional Sessions Judge S.S. Shinde didn’t mince words while reprimanding the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) for its slow and incomplete investigation. “Your investigating officer can’t even pronounce the word ‘investigation’ properly—what kind of probe is this?” the judge remarked, visibly upset with the lack of progress despite several days of police custody.
The court noted that crucial pieces of evidence—such as WhatsApp chats, call records, and secondary mobile numbers—had not been properly examined. “Are you waiting for a ‘Mahurat’ to make the arrest?” the judge asked sarcastically, pointing to the unverified ownership of one of the accused’s phone numbers.
Read More :- Thane Duo Gets 5-Year Jail, ₹15.3 Lakh Fine Each For Chain Snatching Under MCOCA
₹10 Lakh Bribe Linked to Illegal Construction Case
According to the prosecution, the accused trio allegedly accepted ₹10 lakh from a local builder to prevent the demolition of illegal shops in Naupada, followed by an additional demand for ₹25 lakh. Investigators claimed the first payment was routed from the complainant’s wife’s account to Sushant Surve’s bank account, from which ₹7 lakh was later withdrawn.
Judge Shinde said the transactions and alleged layering of funds warranted scrutiny under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Court Orders Senior Supervision of ACB Probe
The hearing, which lasted over two hours, saw sharp exchanges between defence counsel Vishal Bhanushali and prosecutor Sanjay More. Ultimately, the court rejected the bail pleas of all three accused and directed the ACB to have a senior officer supervise the investigation moving forward.
The court’s remarks also hinted that the case could soon expand under money-laundering provisions if deeper financial links are found. The accused are expected to approach the Bombay High Court for relief.
Read More : – Maharashtra: US National Among 3 Booked in Bhiwandi for Illegal Religious Conversion Activities
What’s Next
With the bail pleas denied, all three accused remain behind bars as the ACB faces mounting pressure to strengthen its case. The agency has been directed to recover digital records and submit a detailed report on the flow of funds.
This case has drawn attention in Thane’s administrative and political circles, raising serious questions about the accountability of civic officials and the effectiveness of anti-corruption enforcement in Maharashtra.
