MUMBAI (Wednesday, March 4, 2026) — A Mumbai court has rejected a fresh bail application from Purushottam Chavan, the husband of Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Rashmi Karandikar, in a massive cheating case exceeding ₹24 crore. Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Abhijit Solapure (Esplanade Court) ruled that there is substantial material on record linking Chavan to the crime, and his release could potentially hinder the investigation by influencing witnesses.
The Allegations: Government Quota Fraud
The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police arrested Chavan on May 20, 2025. He is accused of operating a sophisticated racket that defrauded at least 20 victims.
- The Modus Operandi: Chavan allegedly portrayed himself as a government representative and promised victims premium flats and plots in Mumbai, Thane, and Pune at discounted rates under the “state government quota.”
- Forged Documents: The prosecution contends that Chavan used his wife’s official residence above the Colaba police station to hold meetings, where he coerced victims into signing “agreements for sale” in the presence of associates posing as government officials.
- The Amount: Victims were allegedly swindled out of approximately ₹24.78 crore. One Sion-based businessman alone reported a loss of ₹3.37 crore for a flat in Prabhadevi.
Court’s Reasoning for Denial
Despite Chavan’s defense team arguing that the filing of the chargesheet made continued custody unnecessary, the court held firm on several grounds:
| Factor | Court’s Observation |
| Evidence | The chargesheet and documents “crystallise the role of the accused” in the conspiracy. |
| PMLA Precedent | The court noted that a recent bail granted to him by the Bombay High Court in a separate ₹263-crore TDS fraud (PMLA case) was based on different factual aspects and was not applicable here. |
| Medical Grounds | Chavan sought bail citing suicidal tendencies and blood pressure issues, but the court found these could be managed within the jail hospital system. |
| Witness Influence | The court found merit in the prosecution’s fear that Chavan might use his influence to tamper with evidence or intimidate victims. |
The Broader Legal Battle
Chavan is currently entangled in multiple high-stakes legal proceedings:
- ₹263 Crore TDS Scam: Investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), where he was granted bail by the High Court in December 2025 due to prolonged detention without trial.
- ₹7.42 Crore Garment Fraud: A separate EOW case involving fraudulent garment supply contracts.
- Asset Attachment: The EOW has already initiated proceedings to attach four luxury flats linked to him, allegedly purchased using the proceeds of these crimes.
While Chavan remains in judicial custody for the real estate fraud, his wife, IPS officer Rashmi Karandikar, has previously stated to the media that she has filed for divorce and has no involvement in his business dealings.
Sources
- Press Trust of India (PTI): “Court denies bail to IPS officer’s husband in cheating case” (March 4, 2026)
- The Times of India: “Maharashtra IPS officer’s husband Purushottam Chavan denied bail in multi-crore cheating case” (February 28, 2026)
- Hindustan Times: “HC grants bail to four in ₹263-cr TDS fraud case” (December 27, 2025)
- Indian Express: “Real estate fraud case: Bail application of IPS officer’s husband rejected” (October 18, 2025)
- Free Press Journal: “EOW to attach four flats linked to accused husband of IPS officer” (November 6, 2025)
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