In a major development in the ongoing investigation into a fake tender scam at the Maharashtra Police Academy (MPA) in Nashik, senior IPS officer Ms. Rashmi Karandikar has strongly denied any involvement. This follows allegations made by complainant Mr. Rao Saheb Desai, who linked her to a Rs 60-crore garment supply deal facilitated by her husband, Mr. Purushottam Chavan—currently under arrest in a Rs 263-crore TDS fraud case.
The Economic Offences Wing (EOW), which is probing the matter, has recorded contradictory accounts from both Ms. Karandikar and Mr. Desai. While Desai accuses her of direct involvement, Karandikar insists she has had no professional or personal connection to the alleged transactions.
Observer Role, Not Procurement: Officer Clarifies Official Duties
In a detailed written statement to the EOW, Ms. Karandikar clarified that her connection to the MPA was limited to delivering two or three guest lectures to sub-inspector trainees.
“I have never been associated with the procurement or tender process. The entire Maharashtra government tender system is digital, open, and transparent. I was never part of any committee related to purchases,” she stated.
She further denied being present during alleged meetings at her husband’s official Colaba quarters. “Mr. Desai never came to the residence. The claim that I was involved in evaluating or suggesting corrections to garment samples is completely false,” she said.
Alleged Business Links Disputed
Mr. Desai’s statements place Ms. Karandikar at the center of events, claiming she was part of a meeting where she approved khaki t-shirt and hoodie samples worth Rs 6.5 crore. He further alleged that garments were delivered in anticipation of a contract that never materialized due to Mr. Chavan’s arrest.
Desai also claimed that a garment export firm, Rasmina Exports, was floated in Ms. Karandikar’s name. However, the officer dismissed these claims: “I have never been a partner, director, or promoter in Rasmina or any of my husband’s businesses. I was unaware of their activities until the FIR was filed.”
She emphasized the personal disconnect with her husband, stating that she had no knowledge of his transactions, whether in India or abroad.
Question of E-Tender Awareness and Professional Conduct
Ms. Karandikar raised an important procedural point in her statement: “Mr. Desai is an educated individual familiar with government e-tender systems. His claim of being misled into believing in an offline contract process raises serious doubts.”
She also clarified that khaki t-shirts and hoodies are not standard issue at the MPA, casting further suspicion on the authenticity of the alleged requirement.
Multiple FIRs, Rising Questions
Mr. Chavan is already facing multiple FIRs for allegedly duping various individuals of over Rs 27 crore by promising government contracts and land deals. Mr. Desai alleges that Ms. Karandikar met him and another alleged victim, Mr. Jariwala, in Mumbai and assured them of a resolution once her husband secured bail. This, too, she has denied.
As the EOW continues its investigation, the case raises broader questions about accountability, misuse of bureaucratic influence, and the integrity of public procurement processes.
