The Bombay High Court has emphasized the urgency for the Maharashtra Police to actively take concrete steps to arrest all the accused in a 2018 investor fraud case, considering it 'a'serious crime'. The court's directive highlights the necessity for concrete actions to bring the accused to justice.

Taking note of the alleged lackadaisical approach of the police, the High Court took notice and directed the Kohlapur Superintendent of Police to ensure thorough questioning of the investigating officers involved in what was described as a problematic handling of the case.

The case revolves around the Mekar Group of India, which reportedly gathered more than Rs 56 crore through investments from numerous individuals, only to mishandle and misappropriate these funds.

The bench of Justice GA Sanap said, "It was the duty of the investigating officer to complete the investigation in all respects in such a serious crime. It was expected of the investigating officer to arrest all accused and make them face the prosecution. It was the duty of the Superintendent of Police, Kolhapur to supervise the investigation of such a serious crime.”

Justice Sanap added, “In my view if steps had been taken, this situation would not have arisen. The unfortunate investors who have been duped by the accused are crying for justice."

While passing the order on the bail plea of one of the accused, Bhaskar Limbkar, the High Court said, "The Superintendent of Police, Kolhapur, apart from taking concrete steps to arrest all accused, shall also see that the investigating officers who are responsible for this mess must be questioned about it."

Additionally, the court noted that the case was filed back in 2018, resulting in the initial arrest of three accused individuals, two of whom were able to obtain bail. However, in response to the court's recent firm admonishment of the police's handling of the case, four more arrests were made this month.

"The arrest of four accused within a short span of time after the order of this Court indicates that if such seriousness was shown earlier, by this time all accused would have been arrested. The lapses noticed by this Court committed by the investigating officers in the conduct of investigation are very serious,” Justice Sanap observed.

Earlier, the High Court had directed the police to establish a specialized team to aid the investigating officer in capturing the remaining accused individuals involved in the case.

The case was initiated against the company and its accused members after a complaint was filed by one of the 93 investors.

Limkar's bail plea was submitted through advocates Satyavrat Joshi, Mahendra Kawchale, and Nitesh Mohite.