In a surprising turn of events, former Mayor of Vasai-Virar, Rupesh Jadhav, found himself at the center of a controversy when an unidentified individual posted a fake Enforcement Directorate (ED) notice on social media. The notice implicated Jadhav and three others in a staggering ₹780 crore money laundering case. In response, Jadhav swiftly lodged a complaint with the Tulinj police, vehemently denying the allegations and attributing them to his political rivals.
Jadhav, who co-owns Ganesh Ventures with Manoj Chaturvedi, Gangaram Mukund, and Anish Gidh, clarified that the ED notice circulating on social media was a complete fabrication. According to him, the motive behind this false accusation was an ongoing financial dispute with a third party. Despite the dispute, Jadhav emphasized that no FIR had been registered against him or his partners in connection with the alleged money laundering.
In a statement to the media, Jadhav expressed, “None of us – neither me nor my partners – have received any notice from the ED. The notice posted on social media is completely fake and is an attempt to defame me.” Seeking legal counsel, Jadhav decided to take matters into his own hands and filed a formal complaint with the Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar (MBVV) Police against the unknown individual responsible for disseminating the purported fake notice.
The controversial notice, hotly disputed by Jadhav, implicated four prominent individuals, including Rupesh Jadhav, Manoj Chaturvedi, Gangaram Mukund, and Ashok Gidh, in a money laundering case amounting to a staggering INR 780 crore. The allegations suggested fraudulent property transactions involving multiple registrations on the same property, as well as the sale of flats, plots, and lands with forged documents.
According to the notice, Jadhav and his associates were “directed” to appear at the ED’s Delhi office for further investigation within 15 working days from November 28. The notice, claiming to be a “formal show cause” under sections 50 and 63 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), stated that the probe was initiated based on a complaint from one Pritam Mhatre.
Law enforcement officials have expressed their commitment to verifying the authenticity of the notice and conducting thorough investigations into the matter. The Tulinj police, responsible for handling Jadhav’s complaint, have initiated the process of scrutinizing the details and uncovering the source of the false ED notice.
Jadhav’s legal representatives are cooperating with the police in providing any necessary information to assist in the investigation. They emphasize that the fake notice, beyond being an attempt to tarnish Jadhav’s reputation, poses a serious threat to the credibility of individuals named in such false cases.
The former Mayor, known for his community work during his tenure, has garnered support from various quarters. Political allies and community leaders have come forward to express their disbelief at the allegations, citing the lack of any prior legal actions against Jadhav in connection with the financial dispute.
As the investigation unfolds, the authenticity of the ED notice remains a critical point of contention. If proven to be a malicious fabrication, it raises questions about the extent to which such false allegations can damage the reputation of public figures in the age of social media.
Jadhav, maintaining his innocence, has called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter. The unfolding events will undoubtedly shed light on the veracity of the allegations and the potential motivations behind this orchestrated attempt to tarnish the reputation of a former Mayor and his business associates. As the legal proceedings progress, the community watches closely, hopeful for a resolution that unveils the truth behind the fake ED notice circulating on social media.
