ACB will now probe Hemant Nagrale’s assets

The Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) will now probe the alleged case of disproportionate assets owned by senior IPS and deputy inspector general of police Hemant Nagrale. The Bombay high court on Saturday directed the Director General of ACB to investigate the case and submit its report by the first week of March, 2010. Nagrale is presently on deputation as Chief Vigilance Officer, MSEB.

The division bench of Justice BH Marlapalle and Justice RY Ganoo has directed Nagrale and his wife Pratima to appear before the DG-ACB on December 28 accompanied by all the necessary documents. Court was hearing a petition filed by Pratima, who had alleged that her husband possessed assets beyond his official income and is also transferring some in her name. Pratima had also alleged physical and mental torture by Nagrale.

The court, in a 16-page judgment, refused to accept Nagrale’s arguments that since he had shown properties in Pratima’s name and her bank account, which he operated, to the income tax department while filing returns in her name, the same were not required to be declared before the Maharashtra government.

“The matter requires further inquiry and the same cannot be brushed aside only on the plea that she is an infuriated former wife and suffering from psychological disorder and that she is trying to take revenge against her former husband,” observed the judges.

The court has now directed the ACB to conduct inquiry into transactions of Pratima’s bank accounts including deposits, nature of consideration for such deposits as well as in whose favour disbursements/withdrawals have been made and purpose of such withdrawal.

The court has also directed the ACB to inquire into the sale and transfer of properties including the sources of funds and nature of transfer.

Pratima had in October 2008, moved HC alleging that Nagrale had opened three different bank accounts in her name in Mumbai, Ratnagiri and Pune and was operating it under her name. Her petition also stated that 12 properties were purchased by Nagrale either in her name or in his name in different cities like Mumbai, Pune, Ratnagiri and Nagpur.

Nagrale on the other hand had argued that the petition was filed just to settle their matrimonial disputes and had denied all the allegations. Nagrale and Pratima had obtained a divorce from the family court in February, 2009.

The court also rejected Nagrale’s prayer to stay the order. He may now file an appeal in the Supreme Court.