State Bureau, Naidunia, Raipur | Several old cases involving Raipur-based mineral and real estate businessman Mahendra Goenka, who was arrested by Kolkata Police in connection with an alleged Rs 1,000 crore fraud, have once again come into the spotlight. His arrest has caused a stir in administrative and industrial circles.
It is alleged that Goenka exploited loopholes in the law to create a network of usury, fraud, and forgery. According to investigating agencies, instead of coming forward himself, he carried out the alleged fraud through chartered accountants and hawala operators.
Accused Of Taking Over Company Through Fraudulent Share Transfers
Kolkata Police arrested Goenka from Delhi on Monday. He is accused of an alleged fraud of approximately Rs 1,000 crore involving companies owned by the family of Sanjay Pathak, the BJP MLA from Vijayraghavgarh, Madhya Pradesh. Police have taken him on a 10-day remand.
According to the investigation, after becoming CEO of the MLA's family companies, Goenka allegedly hatched a conspiracy to gain control of the entire property. It is alleged that fake resignations of genuine directors were prepared, signatures were forged, and documents related to fraudulent share transfers were uploaded to the Registrar of Companies (ROC). The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Mumbai bench, reportedly cited financial irregularities by the Goenka couple in an order. The financial transactions of their company, Nisarg Ispat, are also now under scrutiny.
Investigation Into The Kotma Scandal Resumes
Investigation agencies are also re-investigating the old case of the mass suicide of six members of a poor weaver family in Kotma, Anuppur district. It is alleged that Goenka's family took the step due to pressure from alleged debt. It is also being claimed that Goenka had the administration expatriate him from the district to protect himself during this incident. Probing agencies are re-investigating these allegations.
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Wildlife Remains Found From Goenka's House
Originally a resident of Kotma in Anuppur district, Goenka has been involved in the mining, minerals, steel, gems, and infrastructure sectors in Raipur. He has also been a director and partner in several companies. After the discovery of leopard and wild boar remains at his Hargarh farmhouse in Jabalpur, his name was also linked to an alleged poaching syndicate. It is alleged that he also hosted parties for influential people and officials.
Goenka Reveals Several Names
According to sources, Mahendra Goenka has revealed the names of several people associated with Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and Kolkata during interrogation based on digital evidence available with the Kolkata Police. He has also been accused of playing a role in the alleged money laundering of some IAS officers. However, investigations into these allegations are ongoing.
His residence in Shankar Nagar remained deserted after his arrest, while only employees were found present at his office in Farishtha Complex. Investigating agencies are probing various aspects of the case.