Akola Additional Collector Named in FIR Over Alleged Extortion from Mine Owners
In a significant development in Maharashtra's Akola district, Additional Collector Pramod Gaikwad has been formally named in a First Information Report (FIR) lodged by local mine owners. The complaint alleges that Gaikwad demanded a payment of Rs15,000 per mine from every quarry operator in the district as a condition for allowing their operations to continue.
Details of the Allegations and Police Action
The FIR was registered at the MIDC police station, coming nine days after mine owners submitted a formal written complaint. According to the allegations, threats were issued to shut down mining businesses if the demanded money was not paid. Akola district is home to nearly 70 minor mineral quarries that extract materials including stone, gravel, crusher, and murrum, making this a substantial economic sector in the region.
As part of their evidence, the complainants submitted an audio clip that purportedly features a conversation between Additional Collector Pramod Gaikwad and Vivek Bijwe, who serves as the president of the Akola Quarry and Crusher Association. The audio clip reportedly contains references to the collection of funds and follow-up actions, which the complainants claim substantiate their allegations of monetary demands. However, it is important to note that the authenticity of this audio recording has not been independently verified by authorities at this stage.
Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Corruption Act, indicating the seriousness with which the allegations are being treated. Officials have confirmed that a thorough investigation into the matter is currently underway.
Response from the Accused and Context of Revenue Collection
Additional Collector Pramod Gaikwad has issued a strong denial of all allegations, describing them as "false and baseless." In his clarification statement, Gaikwad asserted that he has never demanded any money from mine owners and has actually been working to assist them in their operations.
Gaikwad provided context regarding the district's revenue collection efforts, explaining that Akola has set an ambitious revenue target of Rs130 crore from the mining sector for the current financial year. However, only approximately Rs60 crore has been recovered so far, representing less than half of the target. To address this shortfall and improve revenue collection, Gaikwad stated that he convened meetings with quarry operators on March 15 and subsequently, urging them to promptly pay their pending royalty dues.
"I had only requested them to clear royalty payments and support revenue collection. I have not demanded any money. I do not know why such allegations are being made against me," Gaikwad emphasized in his defense.
Association President's Statement and Ongoing Investigation
Vivek Bijwe, president of the Akola Quarry and Crusher Association, reiterated the association's position, stating that they approached police authorities with evidence only after repeated demands were made. This suggests that the mine owners felt compelled to take formal action after what they describe as persistent pressure.
The case highlights the tension between revenue collection targets and allegations of improper conduct by officials. With nearly 70 quarries potentially affected, the outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for Akola's mining industry and local governance. Police officials continue their investigation as both sides present conflicting narratives about the events in question.
