Pune: In a concerning development, R.N.D. Automation Pvt. Ltd. in Kondhwa Budruk is under scrutiny as its owner is accused of misappropriating a significant sum from the provident fund meant for employees. The complaint, filed by Rahul Eknath Kokate (51), alleges that the company owner, Nikhil Lawrence Dubois (40), diverted a staggering amount of 6 lakh and 25 thousand rupees from the deducted provident fund between March 2019 and July 2022.
The case, now registered at Kondhwa Police Station, invokes Section 14 of the Employees Provident Fund Scheme, along with sections 406 and 409 of the IPC. According to police reports, Dubois, who heads RND Automation Private Ltd. on Yevlewadi Road, deducted a total of 18 lakh, 01 thousand and 528 rupees from workers’ salaries during the specified period.
Out of this, an amount totalling 11 lakh, 75 thousand and 812 rupees was reportedly deposited into the provident fund accounts. However, a substantial sum of 6 lakh, 25 thousand and 716 rupees allegedly found its way into Dubois’s personal use. In response to these allegations, Kokate pursued legal action, resulting in a court order for a criminal case against Dubois.
The court has now directed an investigation into the embezzlement accusations, led by Assistant Police Inspector Kudale.
