Archive · 19 Dec 2025
Maharashtra Minister Convicted in 1995 Housing Scam
A minister in Maharashtra, India, named Manikrao Kokate, and his brother were found guilty of a scam that happened a long time ago, in the 1990s.
They tricked the government to get four nice flats by saying they were poor and didn't have any other homes.
But the government found out they were lying because they actually had a lot of money and land.
The minister had to quit his job after the court said he was guilty.
He is now trying to appeal the decision in a higher court.
The higher court has suspended his sentence and granted him bail while he appeals.
Manikrao Kokate and his brother were convicted for cheating the government to obtain four flats under an economically weaker section quota.
They submitted false affidavits claiming an annual income of less than Rs 30,000 and no residential property.
Evidence from a 1994 gun license application showed Kokate employed 40-50 laborers, earning him at least Rs 3.6 lakh weekly.
The Kokate family owns 25 acres of fertile agricultural land and earns substantial income from a sugar cooperative.
Kokate resigned as Maharashtra's Sports Minister after the Nashik court upheld his conviction and has appealed to the Bombay High Court, which suspended his sentence and granted bail.
- Who
- Manikrao Kokate and his brother Vijay Kokate
- What
- Convicted for cheating and forgery in a housing scam
- When
- Conviction in 1995, case resurfaced in 2023
- Where
- Nashik, Maharashtra
- Why
- Falsely claimed to be from economically weaker sections to obtain government flats
Prosecution
Defense
Income and Property Claims
Prosecution
The prosecution presented evidence showing Kokate's actual income and property ownership, proving his claims of being economically weaker were false.
Defense
The defense argued for the suspension of the sentence and bail, pending the appeal.
- Name
- Manikrao Kokate
- Role
- Former Maharashtra Sports Minister
- Party
- Nationalist Congress Party
- Crime
- Cheating and forgery
- Conviction Date
- October 13, 1995
- Appeal Status
- Filed in Bombay High Court
- Location
- Nashik, Maharashtra
- Flat Complex
- Nirmam View
- Sentence Suspension
- Granted by Bombay High Court
- Bail Amount
- Rs 1 lakh surety
Sources
Explained: Housing Scam That Led To Sacking Of Maharashtra's 'Rummy' Minister
Former Maha Minister Kokate to undergo angioplasty as Bombay HC hears his plea
Relief For Manikrao Kokate: Bombay High Court Stays Sentence Of NCP Leader, Grants Bail In 1995 Cheating & Forgery Case
Gun License, Mill Land: How Charges Against Maharashtra 'Rummy' Minister Were Proven
