CASH-FOR-VOTES SCANDAL ERUPTS IN PUNE! CRIME BRANCH RAIDS AJIT PAWAR LINKED PR FIRM
PUNE: With elections around the corner, a political storm erupted in Pune after the city’s Crime branch raided the office of Design Box, a political public relations firm allegedly involved in the distribution of money, raising serious questions over fair campaigning and voter trust.
Design Box allegedly is known to handle political communication and campaign strategy for the Ajit Pawar led NCP faction in Maharashtra. This has made the raid "politically sensitive." Acting on specific intelligence inputs, Crime branch officials carried out a detailed search at the firm’s Pune office. Staff members were questioned. Documents and electronic devices were examined to check for illegal cash movement and possible violations of the "Model Code of Conduct."
However, while authorities have not yet confirmed whether cash was seized or arrests were made, officials said the investigation is still ongoing and further action will depend on findings from the raid. The development has sent shockwaves across political circles, with opposition leaders calling for accountability and transparency, accusing the ruling faction of undermining democratic processes.
As voters prepare to cast their ballots, the raid has fuelled public anger and distrust, reinforcing concerns that money power continues to dictate elections, while citizens are left demanding clean, honest leadership.
The Crime branch has said more details will be shared once verification is complete.