Maharashtra Congress Alleges High-Level Corruption in Bogus Call Centre Racket

The Maharashtra Congress accused senior police officials, including IPS officer Datta Karale, of involvement in a multi-crore bogus call centre racket, urging a thorough investigation. The racket allegedly emulates the infamous 'Jamtara model' to defraud citizens globally. Allegations include bribery to officials, linking with self-proclaimed godman Ashok Kharat.

Senior police officials in Maharashtra, including IPS officer Datta Karale, have been implicated by the state's Congress in a multi-crore bogus call centre racket. The Congress has urged a high-level investigation into the matter, alleging the call centres mimicked the infamous 'Jamtara model' known for defrauding citizens globally. State Congress President Harshwardhan Sapkal claimed that senior officers were involved, including Karale, who is currently serving as the Deputy Inspector General of the Nashik Range.

Sapkal highlighted that the operation couldn't function without top-level administrative approvals. Despite prior raids conducted by the Central Bureau of Investigation, no substantial action was taken against the accused officers. The Congress alleged that these call centres continued defrauding individuals under the protection of corrupt officials. Sapkal emphasized the need for state Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to solicit CBI intervention and initiate stringent action against the implicated officials.

Additionally, the Congress leader alleged a nexus between the bogus call centres and Nashik-based self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, who faces rape and fraud charges. Videos circulated showing Karale's association with Kharat, hinting at potential financial transactions between them involving bribes of cash, gold, and cryptocurrency. The Congress demands a thorough probe into these links and the dubious financial dealings suspected to launder black money through these illegal establishments.

(With inputs from agencies.)