2 excise officials booked for alleged money-for-transfer, illegal drug distribution

Ramesh Mohite

The suicide case of Ramesh Mohite, a sub-inspector with the state Excise Department, has brought to the fore allegations of a money-for-transfer racket as well as illegal drug distribution angle. The Borivli Goverment Railway Police on Tuesday registered a case in connection with the suicide and booked one officer and one clerk from the department. The case was registered following a complaint filed by Mohite's wife. Mohite had jumped in front of a train near Malad station on December 20.

GRP sources said, a suicide note was found from the deceased's belongings wherein he had named the two personnel - Krishna Khetal, a clerk, and inspector Riyaz Khan - attached to the Bandra division of the excise department. He had mentioned that Khetal engaged in illegal activities, which posed a threat to his job as he was Khetal's superior. He also mentioned that he had given Khan a total of Rs 33 lakh to transfer him to Aurangabad but Khan did not do the same and also refused to return the money. Mohite's wife Surekha approached the police in Mumbai only a few days ago as she had been unwell since Mohite's death. "Based on the complaint of the deceased's wife, we have registered the case under section 306 (abetment of suicide) of the IPC and booked two accused. No arrest has been made yet. We are investigating the matter," said a police officer.

The suicide note

The suicide note found from Mohite's belongings stated, "I am committing suicide because of the harassment I am facing. Krishna Khetal is responsible for it. My last wish is that Khetal is severely punished. I had also paid Rs 33 lakh to Inspector Riaz Khan, currently attached with Division Bandra, for transfer but I was not transferred. I also could not repay the several loans I had taken to pay the amount."

Money for transfer

As per the statement given by Surekha, Mohite had applied for a transfer to Aurangabad, where most of his relatives and friends reside, in 2018 but did not get it. It was at that time that someone asked him to approach Khan saying he would facilitate his transfer for money. Since November 2018 Mohite started gathering money by selling their car, gold and by taking loans from relatives and friends as well as institutions.

"From November 2018 to December 2021, I was told that my husband had paid Rs 33 lakh. But even after paying so much money; my husband was not posted to Aurangabad, leading to mental stress," Surekha said. She added, "Meanwhile, my eldest daughter's wedding got fixed. So my husband asked Khan to return the money, but Khan refused."

Illegal drug distribution

The complainant said, "Around two months after being transferred to Colaba Drug Depot, one day he returned home looking severely stressed. After asking him several times, he told me Krishna Khetal, the clerk, illegally distributed opium to people, even without licences, and that he was forced to sign off the papers. He said that if this ever comes to the fore, then his job would also be at risk." "Two days before he took his life, he returned home and broke down crying. Due to this stress, my husband committed suicide. All the accused should be punished," she added.

Accused Speak

When contacted, Khetal told mid-day, "I was called by the police for enquiry. They have recorded my statement. The allegations against me are completely wrong." "I met Mohite only three times as he had holidays on Saturday and Sunday when I would go to the Colaba office. I do not know why he did this," he added. mid-day tried to contact Khan but his phone was switched off.