Absconding spiritual leader arrested in Rs 3.6 cr fund misappropriation case in Latur

Latur, Jul 10 (PTI) A spiritual leader accused of misappropriating funds to the tune of Rs 3.6 crore collected during a religious event was arrested on Friday afternoon, a Latur police official said. Kishor Dhondiram Jadhav (Shivanikar), also known as 'Pistulya Maharaj', was held in a raid at a house in Moti Nagar locality, the Crime Branch official said. "The accused was living in a locked room on the second floor. To avoid getting caught through technical means, he was not using his mobile phone. Jadhav was on the run since June 6 after a case was lodged at MIDC police station over misappropriation of funds of Rs 3.6 crore collected at a religious event in Khandapur village between February 22 and March 2," the official said. The lock of the room had to be broken after the owner refused to open it following a request from the police team, which believed someone was hiding inside, the official said. "Donations amounting to Rs 5.9 crore were collected, and Rs 2.3 crore was spent on various festival-related expenses. The balance of Rs 3.6 crore was allegedly not accounted for, leading to accusations of misappropriation and fraud. The police complaint was lodged by warkaris," he added. PTI COR BNM