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In a shocking development, Vinay Ojha, the father of former Indian cricketer Naman Ojha, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for his involvement in a significant embezzlement case at the Bank of Maharashtra. The verdict, delivered by the Multai Additional Sessions Court on December 24, 2024, concludes an 11-year-long legal battle that began when the fraudulent activity came to light in 2013.
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The Embezzlement Case
The case centers on fraudulent activities at the Bank of Maharashtra’s Joulkheda branch in Betul, Madhya Pradesh, where Rs 1.25 crore was embezzled through a well-organized scheme.
- Key Accused:
- The scheme was masterminded by Abhishek Ratnam, who, with the assistance of Vinay Ojha and others, created fake accounts to siphon off funds.
- Vinay Ojha, then the assistant manager of the bank, played a pivotal role in the execution of the fraudulent activities.
- Court’s Verdict:
- Four accused, including Vinay Ojha, were sentenced to seven years of imprisonment.
- Ojha was also fined Rs 7 lakh.
- Mastermind Abhishek Ratnam received 10 years of imprisonment and a hefty fine of Rs 80 lakh.
- Challenges in Investigation:
- The investigation faced numerous delays over the years, including the tragic death of a key witness, Dinanath Rathore, who served as the bank’s cashier. His demise complicated the case and contributed to the prolonged trial.
Impact on Naman Ojha and His Family
The sentencing has brought intense scrutiny to the family of Naman Ojha, who has largely refrained from commenting on the matter.
- Naman Ojha’s Cricket Career:
- A celebrated wicketkeeper-batsman, Naman Ojha represented India in international cricket and played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for franchises like Rajasthan Royals (RR), Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
- Known for his consistent performances, Ojha retired from all forms of cricket in 2021.
- Family Impact:
- The legal battle has cast a long shadow over the family, with the verdict marking a significant blow to their reputation.
- Despite the turmoil, Naman Ojha has maintained a low profile, focusing on his post-retirement life away from public attention.
