FIR against MOA secy Namdev Shirgaonkar for misuse of govt funds

The complaint, filed by Sandeep Uttamrao Bhondwe, working president of the Maharashtra State Wrestling Association, alleges that Shirgaonkar and his associates diverted funds meant for athletes’ training, equipment, and travel expenses.

PUNE: An FIR has been registered against Namdev Sampat Shirgaonkar, secretary of the Maharashtra Olympic Association (MOA), for allegedly misappropriating ₹12.45 crore sanctioned by the state government for three editions of the National Games. The case has been registered at Samarth police station.

MP is one, which gives highest cash reward to a player for bagging a medal in a national games. (Mujeeb Faruqui/HT photo)

The complaint, filed by Sandeep Uttamrao Bhondwe, working president of the Maharashtra State Wrestling Association, alleges that Shirgaonkar and his associates diverted funds meant for athletes’ training, equipment, and travel expenses.

According to officials from the Directorate of Sports and Youth Services, the state government had sanctioned ₹3.5 crore for the 2022 Gujarat Games, ₹4 crore for the 2023 Goa Games, and ₹4.95 crore for the 2025 Uttarakhand Games. However, financial statements and supporting bills for two of these events were never submitted despite multiple reminders.

An audit of the Gujarat Games expenses revealed inflated costs and falsified purchase records — including tracksuits billed at ₹2,500 each, though procured for ₹1,200, and similar discrepancies in blazers, shoes, and kit bags.

The investigation is being led by senior police inspector Umesh Gitte.