New Delhi, Dec 22: The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the conviction of senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and former Maharashtra minister Manikrao Kokate in the 1995 Nashik housing fraud case.

A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi issued notice to the Maharashtra government on Kokate’s plea challenging the refusal of the Bombay High Court to stay his conviction. Though it protected his membership in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, the apex court clarified that Kokate will not be allowed to exercise any governmental powers while the proceedings are pending.

“Issue notice. Meanwhile, the conviction of the petitioner shall remain stayed to the extent that there shall be no disqualification as a Member of the Legislative Assembly. However, no power shall be exercised by the petitioner,” the CJI Kant-led Bench ordered.

The relief from the top court comes days after the Bombay High Court had refused to stay Kokate’s conviction but suspended his two-year jail sentence and granted him protection from arrest as it heard his revision plea against the sessions court verdict.

Earlier, a Nashik sessions court had convicted Kokate in a case involving the illegal acquisition of government flats reserved under the Chief Minister’s quota and sentenced him to two years’ rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 50,000.

Following the sessions court verdict, Kokate was stripped of the Sports and Minority Affairs portfolios, and he resigned from the Maharashtra Cabinet. His resignation was accepted by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar amid a chorus from the Opposition.

The case against Kokate and his brother Vijay Kokate dates back to 1995 and pertains to the alleged misappropriation of flats meant for low-income individuals who do not own any other property.

The prosecution alleged that the brothers submitted forged affidavits and documents to acquire flats in the Nirman View Apartment at Canada Corner in Nashik. Investigations had also revealed that the brothers were using two additional flats in the same building that had been allotted to other beneficiaries.

Based on an inquiry by the district administration, Vishwanath Patil, then an official of the Urban Land Ceiling (ULC) department, lodged a complaint, following which a fraud case was registered at the Sarkarwada Police Station.

Since his induction into the Cabinet, Kokate has frequently courted controversy. He was earlier divested of the Agriculture portfolio following allegations that he was playing games on his mobile phone during a Legislative Council session.

Kokate denied the charge, but the episode drew widespread criticism. He also drew criticism for remarks on farmers and for attacking coalition partner BJP during a municipal campaign.

Palakkad, Dec 22: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday assured justice to the family of Ram Narayan, the migrant worker who was beaten to death by a mob at Attappallam in Walayar and said strict action would be taken against all those responsible for the crime that has shaken Kerala.

In a statement on Monday, the Chief Minister said a special investigation team led by the Palakkad Superintendent of Police is probing the case and has been directed to examine all aspects of the incident and initiate appropriate legal action.

The government will also consider the matter and ensure suitable compensation for the bereaved family.

Calling the incident unacceptable, CM Vijayan said such acts tarnish the image of Kerala as a progressive society and stressed the need for vigilance to prevent a recurrence.

The Chief Minister’s remarks came as disturbing details emerged from the remand report, which revealed the extreme cruelty inflicted on Ram Narayan, a native of Chhattisgarh who had come to Kerala in search of work.

According to the report, the accused assaulted him with a clear and conscious intent to kill, subjecting him to hours of sustained violence.

Medical findings recorded ahead of the post-mortem showed more than 40 injuries across the body.

Severe head injuries, profuse bleeding and multiple grievous wounds were cited as the cause of death.

Investigators said heavy sticks were used to beat the victim, while marks on the body indicate he was thrown to the ground, kicked repeatedly and dragged. X-ray examinations confirmed that he was stomped on his face and back, pointing to prolonged torture rather than a single attack.

The remand report also notes that those who attempted to intervene were threatened and driven away.

Meanwhile, Local Self-Government Minister M.B. Rajesh, who hails from Palakkad, alleged that the attack stemmed from hate-driven politics, claiming the victim was targeted after being branded a “Bangladeshi”.

He said the government stood firmly with the victim’s family and would ensure maximum punishment for the culprits.

Five accused have so far been arrested, all of whom have criminal antecedents.

Police said efforts are underway to trace more suspects as the investigation continues.

Mumbai: The CBI has identified two more persons allegedly involved in the case where agency officials arrested Nitesh Rai, branch manager of a private bank in Mumbai, last month for facilitating the opening of mule accounts. Investigation has revealed that the arrested official, in collusion with cybercriminals, accepted illegal gratification and, by abusing his official position, processed account opening forms, thereby creating channels for the movement and layering of cybercrime proceeds.

“During the investigation of the said case, from April 30, 2025 to May 4, 2025, it has been revealed that accused Nitesh Rai, while functioning as Branch Manager, Bandra Reclamation Branch, Mumbai, facilitated the opening of mule accounts and obtained illegal gratification from A.N. Pathan and P.B. Sahni for the improper performance of his official duties,” said a CBI official.

“Investigation has further revealed that on one occasion, a sum of Rs 10,000 was transferred into the Axis Bank account of Nitesh Rai on January 2, 2025, as illegal gratification in lieu of processing Account Opening Forms. The demand for illegal gratification and the work to be carried out thereafter were discussed by Nitesh Rai over WhatsApp chat with Sahni.”

“Pursuant to the demand, Sahni, through Pathan, arranged for the transfer of Rs 10,000 into the account of Nitesh Rai. The payment was facilitated through money exchange by Pathan. Upon receipt of the said illegal gratification, Nitesh Rai processed the Account Opening Forms.” “Pathan and Sahni thereby induced a public servant for improper performance of his official duties,” the official added.