The probe into the alleged Rs 310-crore land acquisition compensation scam connected to the Dhule-Solapur national highway has significantly widened. Investigators are now scrutinizing financial transactions, assets, and suspected benami properties belonging to former Beed collector Avinash Pathak and his associates, according to police officials.
Arrest and Custody
Pathak, a senior IAS officer, was arrested on Thursday from his residence in Latur. He remains in police custody until May 15 in connection with alleged irregularities in 154 enhanced compensation cases that were cleared between March 1 and April 17, 2025.
Financial Investigation
Beed superintendent of police Navneet Kanwat stated, "We are investigating financial aspects, purchases of movable and immovable assets by the accused, his family members, and any benami properties acquired from embezzled funds. We are also probing the involvement of others in the conspiracy."
The scam, uncovered by incumbent collector Vivek Johnson, is believed to involve a wider network, including officials from the revenue department and possibly the district treasury office. Investigators are working to establish how compensation amounts were processed, identify beneficiaries of the enhanced payouts, and trace possible kickbacks routed through intermediaries or linked assets.
Arrests and Money Trail
The police have already arrested three revenue department employees, including contractual staff, and are tracking the money trail of around Rs 73 crore flagged in suspicious transactions. Investigators are examining whether portions of the funds reached senior officials.
Interrogation and Evidence
SIT investigation officer and additional SP Venkatram said a detailed interrogation plan has been prepared for Pathak, with both written and oral questioning underway during custodial interrogation. Missing land acquisition files cleared during his tenure have emerged as a key challenge, with recovery of documentary evidence now a priority.
Searches Conducted
Searches have been conducted at locations linked to Pathak in Beed, Latur, and Pune, with the accused accompanying police teams during some operations. Officials said property records are being scrutinised in coordination with registrars and other government departments, while financial transactions involving relatives and close associates are also under verification. The police indicated that more individuals may be questioned as the investigation progresses.
