Former Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad player Naman Ojha’s father, Vinay Ojha, has been sentenced to seven years in prison in connection with an embezzlement case involving the Bank of Maharashtra. Vinay Ojha and three others were found guilty, with one person being acquitted.
Naman Ojha’s international cricket career was very short. He had played just one Test, one ODI, and two T20Is, and he scored 69 runs. However, the former cricketer played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for 10 seasons, where he played for Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Naman Ojha’s Father Vinay Ojha Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison
In 2013, a major embezzlement of Rs 1.25 crore occurred at the Bank of Maharashtra branch in Joulkheda, Betul, Madhya Pradesh. The case involved six individuals, and after 11 years, a verdict was finally delivered. Four individuals, including Vinay Ojha, were sentenced in connection with the fraud.
The Multai Additional Sessions Court delivered its judgment on Tuesday. The court found several key individuals guilty, including Abhishek Ratnam, who was identified as the mastermind behind the fraud. Ratnam was sentenced to 10 years in prison and fined Rs 80 lakh for his role in the embezzlement.
Vinay Ojha, who was serving as the assistant manager of the bank at the time, was also convicted. He was sentenced to seven years in prison and fined Rs 7 lakh. Two brokers, Dhanraj Pawar and Lakhan Hingwe, who were involved in the scheme, were each given seven-year prison sentences and fined Rs 7 lakh.
Embezzlement Was Carried Out Using the Passwords of Bank Officials
During the investigation into the case, it was revealed that the fraud was carried out using the passwords of bank officials. Nilesh Chatrole, a trainee branch manager whose ID and password were misused in the scheme, was acquitted. Four individuals were convicted, including Abhishek Ratnam and others.
“During the investigation, it was found that the embezzlement was carried out using the passwords of bank officials,” public prosecutor Rajesh Sable said.
Opened Fake Accounts and Embezzled Rs 1.25 Crore – Advocate Vishal Kodale
The court acquitted Nilesh Chatrole of all charges in the case. Advocate Vishal Kodale said that Ratnam and Ojha, with the help of agents, opened fake accounts and embezzled Rs 1.25 crore from the Bank of Maharashtra.
“Abhishek Ratnam and Vinay Ojha, through agents, opened fake accounts and embezzled Rs 1.25 crore,” Vishal Kodale provided further details on the case.