ACB Books Pune Official, Wife Over ₹2.78-Crore Disproportionate Assets

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a case against Vikas Kisan Dhekale, an assistant town planner in Pune, and his wife Bhagyashree Dhekale, for allegedly possessing disproportionate assets worth ₹2.78 crore.

The case was registered at the Hadapsar police station against Dhekale, a 50-year-old resident of Pearl Tower in Gadital, Hadapsar, and his wife.

According to the ACB, an open inquiry had been ordered against Dhekale after a complaint regarding a demand for a bribe was received against him. Following a trap operation, a case was registered against him at the Baramati City police station on March 20, 2025.

The ACB examined Dhekale's assets and financial transactions for the period between August 17, 1999, and March 20, 2025. The inquiry allegedly found that he had accumulated assets worth ₹2,78,41,542 beyond his known sources of income.

The agency has alleged that Dhekale acquired the disproportionate assets through corrupt means and that his wife encouraged and supported him in the alleged accumulation of illegal wealth. The ACB also alleged that fake receipts were submitted during the inquiry.

Based on the findings of the open inquiry, a case was registered against both Dhekale and his wife at Hadapsar police station. The inquiry was conducted by Deputy Superintendent of Police Manisha Zende under the guidance of ACB Superintendent of Police Shirish Sardeshpande and Additional Superintendent of Police Ajit Patil.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Satish Walke is conducting further investigation.

This case comes against the backdrop of an earlier disproportionate-assets investigation involving then Joint Director of Town Planning Hanumant Nazirkar. The ACB had reportedly found 53 immovable properties, 37 companies, and 150 bank accounts linked to Nazirkar and his family.

Assets worth around ₹55 crore were seized during the investigation, and a 40,000-page chargesheet was filed in the case.

The latest case highlights the ongoing efforts of the ACB to crack down on corruption and disproportionate assets among government officials in Maharashtra.

The ACB's actions are expected to send a strong message to officials who engage in corrupt practices, and the agency's efforts are likely to continue in the coming months.

In the context of Maharashtra's anti-corruption efforts, this case is significant as it demonstrates the state's commitment to holding officials accountable for their actions.

The case against Dhekale and his wife is a reminder that corruption will not be tolerated, and those found guilty will face the consequences of their actions.

The investigation and subsequent case registration are a testament to the ACB's dedication to rooting out corruption and ensuring that government officials act with integrity.

As the investigation continues, it is likely that more details will emerge about the case, and the ACB's findings will be closely watched by the public and the media.

The outcome of the case will have significant implications for the fight against corruption in Maharashtra, and it is expected to set a precedent for future cases involving disproportionate assets.

In conclusion, the case against Dhekale and his wife is a significant development in the fight against corruption in Maharashtra, and it highlights the importance of holding officials accountable for their actions.

The ACB's efforts to crack down on corruption and disproportionate assets are crucial to maintaining public trust in the government, and the agency's actions are likely to have a positive impact on the state's anti-corruption efforts.

The case serves as a reminder that corruption is a serious issue that affects not only the government but also the public, and it is essential to continue efforts to prevent and detect corrupt practices.

The registration of the case against Dhekale and his wife is a step in the right direction, and it is expected to contribute to the ongoing efforts to combat corruption in Maharashtra.