38.6c New Delhi, India, Friday, October 03, 2025
Top Stories Supreme Court
Political NEWS Legislative Corner Celebstreet International Videos
Subscribe Contact Us
close
Crime, Police And Law

NCB Mumbai Director Amit Ghawate under investigation for alleged Misuse of Power, Illegal Gratification and Beacon Violation

By LAWSTREET NEWS NETWORK      26 September, 2024 04:47 PM      0 Comments
NCB Mumbai Director Amit Ghawate under investigation for alleged Misuse of Power Illegal Gratification and Beacon Violation

Mumbai: Amit Ghawate, the Joint Director of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Mumbai Zonal Unit, is facing mounting allegations of misconduct and misuse of authority. A formal complaint has been lodged by an officer of the Central Agency, accusing Ghawate of a series of serious infractions. These allegations include the unauthorized use of a red beacon on his private vehicle and the misuse of a government vehicle for personal tasks, in direct violation of established rules, misusing of official power and receiving illegal gratification.

In response to the complaint, the NCB’s Deputy Director General (DDG) of the Western Zone has initiated a detailed Preliminary Enquiry into the matter. The enquiry is aimed at investigating these claims and bringing to light any potential misconduct.

Among the most concerning allegations is Ghawate’s alleged close association with M/s Jubilant Pharma, a company that allegedly provides him with accommodations and vehicle arrangements during his official tours across India, a clear violation of conduct. According to the complaint, Ghawate is accused of receiving accommodation and other favors from Jubilant Pharma in locations like Pune and Delhi, constituting what is termed as illegal and illegitimate gratification. The complaint further claims that Ghawate is receiving regular fixed payments from this company every quarter, with the amount being paid in cash. Notably, this company is also registered with the NCB, raising further concerns over a conflict of interest.

Additionally, it has come to light that Ghawate has been accused of paying out of pocket for 5-star hotel accommodation and vehicle charges for other senior officials at NCB headquarters. The complaint alleges that these payments are made in cash and that Ghawate frequently handles personal tasks for the families of high-ranking officials within the NCB.

The allegations go deeper, with accusations that Ghawate has frequently booked vehicles for higher officials and their families for unofficial tours, again settling payments in cash through undisclosed sources.

These revelations, combined with earlier accusations of unauthorized red beacon use, have cast a shadow over Ghawate’s conduct within the agency. These actions, if proven true, would represent a significant misuse of public resources and a breach of trust.

The case has highlighted the significance of Section 108 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR) 1989, which allows state governments to authorize specific VIPs and officials to use red or amber beacon lights on official vehicles. In 2014, following a Supreme Court directive, the list of officials eligible for beacon usage was severely reduced. Currently, only top officials above the secretary level, police officers of inspector general rank or higher, and regional commissioners are permitted to use amber beacons without flashers. Ghawate’s alleged misuse of the red beacon clearly violates these updated norms.

An investigation is now underway, and the NCB is awaiting further details from the complainant to advance the enquiry.

Amit Ghawate’s case bears similarities to the case of Puja Khedkar, where allegations of misuse of power and unethical conduct were central, underscoring the pervasive issue of authority figures allegedly exploiting their positions for personal gain. Both instances raise significant concerns over the integrity of public institutions and the need for stringent oversight.

This case continues to develop, with significant implications for the NCB and the standards of conduct within the organization.

Further developments are expected as the inquiry progresses. 
 

Mumbai: Amit Ghawate, the Joint Director of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Mumbai Zonal Unit, is facing mounting allegations of misconduct and misuse of authority. A formal complaint has been lodged by an officer of the Central Agency, accusing Ghawate of a series of serious infractions. These allegations include the unauthorized use of a red beacon on his private vehicle and the misuse of a government vehicle for personal tasks, in direct violation of established rules, misusing of official power and receiving illegal gratification.

In response to the complaint, the NCB’s Deputy Director General (DDG) of the Western Zone has initiated a detailed Preliminary Enquiry into the matter. The enquiry is aimed at investigating these claims and bringing to light any potential misconduct.

Among the most concerning allegations is Ghawate’s alleged close association with M/s Jubilant Pharma, a company that allegedly provides him with accommodations and vehicle arrangements during his official tours across India, a clear violation of conduct. According to the complaint, Ghawate is accused of receiving accommodation and other favors from Jubilant Pharma in locations like Pune and Delhi, constituting what is termed as illegal and illegitimate gratification. The complaint further claims that Ghawate is receiving regular fixed payments from this company every quarter, with the amount being paid in cash. Notably, this company is also registered with the NCB, raising further concerns over a conflict of interest.

Additionally, it has come to light that Ghawate has been accused of paying out of pocket for 5-star hotel accommodation and vehicle charges for other senior officials at NCB headquarters. The complaint alleges that these payments are made in cash and that Ghawate frequently handles personal tasks for the families of high-ranking officials within the NCB.

The allegations go deeper, with accusations that Ghawate has frequently booked vehicles for higher officials and their families for unofficial tours, again settling payments in cash through undisclosed sources.

These revelations, combined with earlier accusations of unauthorized red beacon use, have cast a shadow over Ghawate’s conduct within the agency. These actions, if proven true, would represent a significant misuse of public resources and a breach of trust.

The case has highlighted the significance of Section 108 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR) 1989, which allows state governments to authorize specific VIPs and officials to use red or amber beacon lights on official vehicles. In 2014, following a Supreme Court directive, the list of officials eligible for beacon usage was severely reduced. Currently, only top officials above the secretary level, police officers of inspector general rank or higher, and regional commissioners are permitted to use amber beacons without flashers. Ghawate’s alleged misuse of the red beacon clearly violates these updated norms.

An investigation is now underway, and the NCB is awaiting further details from the complainant to advance the enquiry.

Amit Ghawate’s case bears similarities to the case of Puja Khedkar, where allegations of misuse of power and unethical conduct were central, underscoring the pervasive issue of authority figures allegedly exploiting their positions for personal gain. Both instances raise significant concerns over the integrity of public institutions and the need for stringent oversight.

This case continues to develop, with significant implications for the NCB and the standards of conduct within the organization.

Further developments are expected as the inquiry progresses. 
 

Unlimited access to all contents of Lawstreet

Most reliable, quick and growing only with subscriber support.

3 Months

₹799
₹599+GST(18%)


(₹200 per month)
Save 25%

Subscribe

6 Months

₹1499
₹999+GST(18%)


(₹167 per month)
Save 33%

Subscribe

12 Months

₹2999
₹1699+GST(18%)


(₹142 per month)
Save 43%

Subscribe

Share this article:

About:

Explore Comprehensive Legal Reporting with LawStreet Journal: Your Go-To Source for Supreme Court an...Read more

Follow:
TwitterLinkedinInstagram


Leave a feedback about this
Related Posts
View All

Another CBI Officer Investigating Rakesh Asthana Moves SC Against Transfer, Makes Startling Revelations Another CBI Officer Investigating Rakesh Asthana Moves SC Against Transfer, Makes Startling Revelations

After A.K. Bassi, another CBI officer who was investigating corruption allegations against Special Director Rakesh Asthana moved the Supreme Court.

Ayodhya verdict: SC rules in favour of Ram Lalla, Sunni Waqf Board gets alternate land Ayodhya verdict: SC rules in favour of Ram Lalla, Sunni Waqf Board gets alternate land

SC bench led by CJI Ranjan Gogoi has allotted the dispute site to Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas, while directing the government to allot an alternate 5 acre land within Ayodhya to Sunni Waqf Board to build a mosque.

Supreme Court: Money Spent On Judiciary Less Than 1% In All States Except Delhi Supreme Court: Money Spent On Judiciary Less Than 1% In All States Except Delhi

The court guided all states to document their response to the commission's report within four weeks. If any of the states fail to file a response, it will be presumed that they have no objections to the recommendations made by the commission, the court said.

Supreme Court Top Panel Names Chief Justices for Bombay, Orissa and Meghalaya High Courts Supreme Court Top Panel Names Chief Justices for Bombay, Orissa and Meghalaya High Courts

On April 18, 2020, the Supreme Court Collegium recommended new Chief Justices for three High Courts. Justice Dipankar Datta was proposed as Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, succeeding Justice B.P. Dharmadhikari. Justice Biswanath Somadder was nominated as Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court, while Justice Mohammad Rafiq was recommended for transfer as Chief Justice of Orissa High Court.

TRENDING NEWS


TOP STORIES

sc-allows-manufacturing-of-green-crackers-in-delhi-subject-to-no-sale
Trending Judiciary
SC allows manufacturing of green crackers in Delhi, subject to no sale

SC allows certified manufacturers to produce green crackers in Delhi, but bans their sale in NCR till further orders, balancing pollution and livelihoods.

27 September, 2025 01:23 AM
kerala-hc-directs-comprehensive-snakebite-prevention-guidelines-for-schools
Trending Judiciary
Kerala HC Directs Comprehensive Snakebite Prevention Guidelines For Schools [Read Order]

Kerala High Court directs comprehensive snakebite prevention and management guidelines for schools, ensuring safety, awareness, and emergency response.

30 September, 2025 08:46 PM
sc-orders-two-judicial-officers-to-go-for-seven-days-training-for-flawed-bail-order
Trending Judiciary
SC orders two judicial officers to go for seven days training for flawed bail order [Read Judgment]

Supreme Court quashes flawed bail order, directs two Delhi judges to undergo 7-day special training on judicial conduct and bail rulings.

30 September, 2025 09:58 PM
sc-seeks-reply-from-iit-delhi-kharagpur-on-plea-to-transfer-student-due-to-mental-health-condition
Trending Judiciary
SC seeks reply from IIT Delhi, Kharagpur on plea to transfer student due to mental health condition [Read Order]

SC seeks reply from IIT Delhi & Kharagpur on plea for transfer of B Arch student citing mental health needs, AIIMS proximity & Article 21 rights.

30 September, 2025 11:22 PM

ADVERTISEMENT


Join Group

Signup for Our Newsletter

Get Exclusive access to members only content by email