A team of the Income Tax department on Monday carried out searches at the premises of former BJP corporator Abhijit Katke in Wagholi area of ​​Pune, officials said. Katke, a two-time winner of the prestigious Maharashtra Kesari and Hind Kesari wrestling titles, is closely associated with Amol Balwadkar, also a BJP leader who is keen to contest the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections from Kothrud, even though the party has already nominated a senior leader. Chandrakantdada Patil.

IT department officials could not be contacted and Katke did not respond despite attempts.

Reacting to the Income Tax raids on wrestler Abhijit Katke’s home and wrestling akhada, Amol Balwadkar, former BJP corporator and Katke’s brother-in-law, termed it a “pressure tactic”, saying that he would not succumb to coercion.

Sources said the searches were triggered by allegations of financial irregularities. As investigations continue, officials will likely investigate Katke’s financial dealings in connection with these allegations.

The searches took place amid speculation that Balwadkar might contest against senior BJP leader Chandrakant Patil in Kothrud, a BJP stronghold. Patil currently represents the constituency in the Assembly, and Balwadkar, who has been actively preparing for the elections over the last two months, has expressed his desire to contest on the BJP ticket. He organizes public gatherings and interactive programs in Kothrud.

Recently, the BJP released its first list of 99 candidates, reaffirming Patil as the party candidate for Kothrud. Rumors suggest that Balwadkar may contest as a rebel BJP candidate. Before Patil’s candidature was announced, BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule reportedly met Balwadkar to try to persuade him not to contest.

Speaking to the media, Balwadkar said, “My family and I are in shock. The party has announced its candidate for Kothrud and I have not revealed my plans yet. I will discuss with the supporters and the public, then I will make a decision.

Balwadkar defended Katke, describing him as a wrestling champion from a farming family who has made the nation proud at national and international levels.

“These raids are an attempt to tarnish its image,” he said. He further claimed that during the searches, authorities threatened to harm him and other relatives.

“It’s just a form of pressure, but we won’t give in.”

Balwadkar also downplayed the raid, suggesting he did not have enough influence to justify such actions.

“I believe false information was provided to the IT department about me and my family. I have not contacted anyone in the party because we have not done anything wrong,” he concluded.