Unmesh Gujarathi
Sprouts Exclusive

The Sprouts Special Investigation Team (SIT) carried out a series of reports related to the repeated misuse of his constitutional position by Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari. More instances of the misuse of powers by the Governor are coming to the fore.

Swagat Todkar is basically an autorickshaw driver. He has no medical degree. However, he tags M.D., Psychiatrist, NLP. ND to his name. He has collected crores of rupees through his shady affairs.

Many offenses are registered against him at different places. In March 2017, the Maharashtra Council of Indian Medicine registered an offense against him. In response Rajwada Police of Kolhapur arrested him accusing him of being a bogus doctor.

After being released from custody, he started the practice as a Naturopath. He did not complete any course recognized by AYUSH and started a naturopathy clinic. He also greased the palms of the police. To prevent probable attacks from cheated patients, he has kept bouncers on standby in his clinic.

He has been cheating patients and collecting huge money. The same swindler was publicly felicitated by Koshyari. Todkar released a full-page advertisement carrying the photograph of felicitation in the Marathi daily “Sakal”, which normally claims credibility.

The Governor is the Constitutional Head whose job involves looking after the work of the state government and ensuring that the constitution is not trampled upon. But Koshyari has no interest in official work. Most of the time he is involved in felicitation functions. As the Chancellor of all universities in the state, he has not solved any of the problems of the students.

The Sprouts Special Investigation Team (SIT) has published reports on Koshyari’s lack of interest many times. The matter has also been brought to the notice of Koshyari by calling on him personally. However, Koshyari does not seem to be interested in his work.

The bogus degrees are awarded not only in Maharashtra but all over India. One of the discredited organizations had recently organised a function to award bogus degrees in Raj Bhavan. Koshyari also spoke at this glittering function.

Madhu Krishan the kingpin of bogus PhDs who have distributed fake PhDs in India and abroad recently held a meeting with Koshyari and also had breakfast with him. Koshyari felicitated Krishan and his accomplices. This news was published by Sprouts in its issue dated April 16.

NIA raided 29 places connected to the underworld don Dawood Ibrahim on May 07. After the raids, Suhail Khandwani, Chhota Shakil’s brother-in-law Salim Fruit. Suhail Khandwani was felicitated by Koshyari on November 27, 2021 in Raj Bhavan. This news was exposed by the Sprouts. Despite this Koshyari is appearing in photographs with antisocial people.

There is no control over who meets Koshyari. The Governor’s Secretary Ulhas Munagekar looks after all these activities. His appointment is irregular and illegal. The information obtained through RTI has proved that Munagekar’s appointment has been made in violation of rules.

Despite meeting with Koshyari the clandestine business of selling bogus PhDs goes on and those involved amass crores of rupees. Those involved in such activities misuse their photographs with Koshyari on social media. Unfortunately, Koshyari maintains silence and closes his eyes towards these activities.