Anil Manakape surrenders in Rs 202 Crore Scam

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

After 18 months of evading the law, Anil Manakape, the son of the notorious Ambadas Manakape, has finally surrendered to the police in connection with the massive Rs 202 crore scam at Adarsh Nagari Cooperative Credit Society. The authorities have been hunting him relentlessly, and now he will be presented in court for police custody on Friday. However, questions remain: Where was he hiding all this time?

The shocking scam, which was uncovered on July 12, 2023, exposed a web of fraudulent activities that sent shockwaves through the financial world. The cooperative, led by Ambadas Manakape, had been siphoning off funds of Rs 202 crore. In the wake of the scandal, the Cidco Police Station registered two cases and since then, 15 individuals, including Ambadas, his son and two daughters-in-law, have been arrested. But the mastermind, Anil remained elusive. The massive scale of the fraud triggered widespread protests by enraged depositors, forcing the police and the Home Ministry to act swiftly. In August 2024, the government authorized the auction of assets worth Rs 56.18 crore, seized from the Manakape family and the cooperative.

-----------------------------(BOX)-------------------------------------

Five cases and a growing web of deception

What began as a single case soon unravelled into a sprawling investigation, with five additional cases filed against the Manakape family. The relentless efforts of PI Sambhaji Pawar, API Mosin Syed and PSI Ashok Avchar have brought more shocking revelations to light. A supplementary charge sheet now details further assets owned by the Manakape family, adding new layers to an already complex case.

-----------------------------(BOX)-------------------------------------

Where was Anil hiding for 18 months?

As the investigation stretched on, Anil remained one step ahead. Sources reveal that he had been hiding in remote monasteries in Pandharpur and Tuljapur, using his connections to stay off the grid. However, there were sightings. Anil was reportedly seen in the city multiple times, even allegedly visiting the District Collector’s office for registry work. How did he manage to slip through the cracks for so long?

Meanwhile, after the government seized the family’s main bungalow, the Manakapes have been living in a rented house. Yet, even as the net closes in, the mystery of Anil's whereabouts for over a year and a half remains an open question.

-----------------------------(BOX)-------------------------------------

A twist in the case

The drama doesn’t end here. As the investigation continues to unfold, both of Ambadas’s daughters-in-law, who were also implicated in the scam, have been granted bail. With Anil’s surrender, all eyes are now on the remaining culprits will they be brought to justice, or is there more to this scandal than meets the eye?

The authorities are determined to close this case, but the truth is still out there, waiting to be uncovered.