Maharashtra Minister Dismisses Clean Chit Reports for Parth Pawar in Land Deal Probe
Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has firmly denied media reports suggesting that Parth Pawar, son of the late deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, has been exonerated in the controversial Mundhwa land deal investigation. The minister made these statements on Thursday, coinciding with the state government's decision to grant an eight-day extension to the five-member committee probing the alleged irregularities.
Committee Granted Additional Time Amid Election Schedule
The investigative panel, led by Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) Vikas Kharge, had formally requested additional time to complete its work, citing the upcoming Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections scheduled for Saturday, February 7. The committee's original deadline was set to expire on Friday, making this extension crucial for the completion of their comprehensive review.
"Such reports are completely baseless and without merit," Bawankule emphasized during his address to the media. "The committee has not yet submitted its final findings, and I will only be able to offer substantive comments after receiving and reviewing the official report."
Consolidation of Investigative Findings
In a significant development, Bawankule revealed that the findings from another committee established by the controller of stamps and inspector general of registration will be integrated with the Kharge panel's final report. This consolidation aims to provide a more comprehensive overview of the alleged irregularities. Sources indicate that the inquiry is approaching its conclusion, with the final report expected to be submitted to the state government in the near future.
Details of the Controversial Mundhwa Land Deal
The Mundhwa land deal under scrutiny involves approximately 40 acres of land originally classified under the 'Mahar Watan' category and leased to the Botanical Survey of India. The property was subsequently sold to Amadea Enterprises LLP, allegedly without obtaining the mandatory approval from the state government. Furthermore, the transaction reportedly occurred at a price significantly below market value, accompanied by a waiver on stamp duty.
Digvijay Patil and Parth Pawar are identified as partners in Amadea Enterprises LLP, directly linking them to the transaction. The probe specifically examines potential lapses in documentation, valuation discrepancies, and the conduct of officials responsible for registering the land purchase deed.
Formation and Timeline of the Investigative Committee
The five-member committee was established in early November of last year following significant political controversy surrounding the land deal. Initially tasked with submitting its report by December 6, the deadline was first extended to January 6 and then granted an additional month after the panel requested more time to examine responses from various government departments.
In addition to Chairman Vikas Kharge, the committee comprises Pune Divisional Commissioner Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundawar, Pune Collector Jitendra Dudi, Commissioner of Land Registration and Director of Land Records Dr. Suhas Divase, and Inspector General of Registration and Controller of Stamps Ravindra Binwada.
Growing Criticism Over Repeated Extensions
The series of deadline extensions has attracted criticism from activists and transparency advocates. RTI and anti-corruption activist Vijay Kumbhar expressed his dissatisfaction, questioning the persistent delays, particularly in cases involving political figures.
"Why do these delays frequently occur in matters concerning political personalities? The committee should have ideally presented its report within the stipulated timeframe," Kumbhar stated. "I suspect that even after multiple extensions, the final report may still refrain from explicitly naming Parth Pawar."
Activist Anjali Damania also voiced concerns on social media platform X, highlighting what she perceives as selective justice. "The Economic Offences Wing filed a chargesheet in the Pune land scam, but only against Sheetal Tejwani! What about the inquiry into Digvijay Patil and Parth Pawar? Is justice being applied selectively? This appears to be a mockery of justice rather than its proper administration," Damania remarked.
The Mundhwa land deal continues to be a focal point of political and legal scrutiny in Maharashtra, with all eyes now on the forthcoming committee report that promises to shed light on the complex web of allegations and procedural lapses.
