The Indian Navy has lodged a case with the Cuffe Parade Police over financial mismanagement involving ₹78 crore at the United Services Club (US Club) in Colaba. The case has now been transferred to the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) for further investigation.
Cuffe Parade Police Senior Inspector Sandeep Vishwasrao confirmed to FPJ that the FIR was registered yesterday, and the EOW will now lead the probe into the matter.
The United Services Club, a 97-year-old institution serving defence personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, detected financial discrepancies during a routine audit conducted by the Club Secretary. This triggered a special audit by Chartered Accountants, which revealed major financial anomalies.
Following these findings, the club management ordered a detailed financial scrutiny, confirming significant irregularities. The Indian Navy then approached the police to ensure a thorough investigation. Additionally, an independent Chartered Accountant has been appointed to conduct a more in-depth audit.
Defence sources indicate that the initial probe has pointed towards a female employee who had been associated with the club for over 20 years and was actively involved in its operations. Given the involvement of civilians, the Navy chose to hand over the matter to the civil police for an impartial investigation.
Defence officials emphasized that the Navy has a zero-tolerance policy towards financial wrongdoing and assured full cooperation with law enforcement and financial agencies. Strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty in the ongoing investigation.
