BJP MLA accused of mafia-style operations and money laundering:Bhimawat invested funds in Singapore firm that never existed, letter fuels political row

Success and controversy often go hand in hand in politics. Shajapur’s political scene has heated up recently over an ‘anonymous letter’, targeting BJP’s two-time MLA Arun Bhimawad. The letter has surfaced at a time when speculation is rife about a possible cabinet expansion and new organizational appointments in the state. The letter questions the MLA’s working style and public image, but the author remains unnamed. Those familiar with Shajapur’s political history say this is not unprecedented. Here, whenever political equations shift or a leader’s influence grows, launching a ‘letter war’ has long been a familiar tactic. Bhaskar investigated the entire chain of events, tracing the journey of Arun Bhimawad—from a stamp vendor to a two-time MLA—against the backdrop of the allegations raised in the anonymous letter. Was a stamp vendor before entering politics
Arun Bhimawad comes from a humble background, and his journey to reach his current position in politics has been far from easy. Selling stamps outside court Before entering politics, Arun Bhimawad worked as a stamp vendor in the Shajapur court premises. This was a period in his life when he struggled to earn a living like any ordinary citizen. Beginning with student politics Alongside selling stamps, he was drawn to nationalist ideology and joined the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). Student politics gave him recognition among the youth, paving the way for his rise. He later became the district president of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), marking his entry into mainstream politics. Over time, his influence in the organization grew, and he went on to serve as BJP’s district vice president and then district president twice. 2013 became turning point Until 2013, the Shajapur assembly seat was considered a stronghold of the Congress party, which had uninterrupted control since 1989. In a bold move, BJP fielded organization worker Arun Bhimawad as its candidate. Despite stiff competition, Bhimawad broke the 25-year-old Congress dominance, winning by a margin of approximately 1,900 votes—a victory hailed as nothing short of miraculous for the party. 8 major allegations in anonymous letter MLA Arun Bhimawad now faces serious allegations in an anonymous letter, ranging from land mafia involvement to money laundering—claims that strike directly at his public image. Allegation 1: Collusion with land mafia
The letter alleges that the MLA is linked to every illegal colony being developed in Shajapur. Whenever authorities attempt to take action against these colonies, the MLA reportedly applies political pressure to intervene. Colonizers who refuse to give ‘offerings’ are allegedly blocked from getting their land use (CLU) approvals, forcing them to surrender under pressure. Allegation 2: Medical mafia and referral game
The letter questions the district’s healthcare system, claiming that under the MLA’s protection, certain doctors allegedly redirect patients from government hospitals to private facilities. This so-called ‘referral game’ involves significant commission transactions. Further allegations include large-scale embezzlement of Ayushman Bharat scheme funds and building hospitals in Indore and Pachor through dubious partnerships. Allegation 3: 10–20% commission system in contracting
According to the letter, the MLA allegedly receives a fixed 10% commission on major government projects in the city and 20% on municipal works. The recent AB Road widening project is cited as an example of crores of rupees in bribe deals. Interestingly, the letter claims the MLA also maintains cordial relations with contractors affiliated with opposition parties. Allegation 4: Illegal money collection by ‘Goon Squad’
The letter names individuals described as members of the MLA’s ‘goon squad,’ alleging that this team illegally collects money from the RTO, police, education department, and medical institutions. It also claims that the MLA protects thriving betting and gambling operations in the city. Allegation 5: ‘Dramatization’ of religion and land grabbing
The letter alleges that the MLA constructs shops on valuable temple lands under the guise of religious site renovation, distributing them to associates at nominal prices. Specifically mentioned are plans for ‘commercial occupation’ of land belonging to Nimbari Ram Temple and Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple. Allegation 6: Deliberate neglect of development works
The MLA is accused of showing interest only in projects from which he can gain personal benefit. Public-interest issues, such as pollution in Chillar Dam and potholes on local roads, are allegedly ignored because they offer no personal advantage. Allegation 7: Money laundering and foreign investment
The most serious allegation involves laundering illegally earned wealth. The letter claims that black money collected from Shajapur is being invested in Indore real estate and Singapore-based shell companies through the MLA’s son-in-law, elevating the issue from local politics to national and international financial crimes. Allegation 8: Attack on organization and ideology
Finally, the letter claims that the MLA has made derogatory remarks about senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) officials while under the influence of alcohol. The author appeals to other BJP leaders and the organization to liberate Shajapur from what they describe as a ‘mafia raj.’
Shajapur’s ‘Letter Culture’ This viral letter against the MLA is nothing new in Shajapur’s political culture. The city has had a long-standing relationship with ‘anonymous letters’. Political analyst Manoj Purohit, explaining this trend, says that this is an established method of opposition in Shajapur. When opponents or dissatisfied groups are not in a position to confront directly, they resort to such letters to attempt character assassination. He explains that similar anonymous letters have been issued against Congress veteran leader Hukum Singh Karada, who was an MLA and minister from Shajapur for a long time during his tenure. This ‘letter bomb’ is not limited to politics only. In recent times, similar letters were also viral against prominent people of Sony Samaj and Bora Samaj. 18 cases registered against MLA Amid ongoing discussions about Arun Bhimawad’s image, his criminal record also draws attention. According to election affidavits and police records, around one and a half dozen (18) cases have been registered against him at Kotwali police station and other places from 1995 till now.