A Pune court on Monday dealt a significant blow to suspended tehsildar Suryakant Yewale, rejecting his plea for anticipatory bail in a high-profile case involving the alleged illegal transfer of government land to private entities. The case, which has political undertones, revolves around two orders that granted ownership rights of prime government land in Mundhwa and Bopodi.
Court Rejects Pre-Arrest Protection
The court of additional sessions judge PY Ladekar dismissed Yewale's application seeking protection from arrest. The prosecution, led by district government pleader Pramod Bombatkar, strongly opposed the bail. Bombatkar argued that Yewale is the prime accused whose deliberate actions initiated the offence, leading to an attempt to take over government land by power of attorney holder Sheetal Tejwani.
This alleged illegal transfer later became part of a massive Rs 300 crore deal with Amedia Enterprises LLP, a firm where Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's son, Parth Pawar, is a partner. The Khadak police had registered the case on November 7 based on a complaint by naib tehsildar Pravina Borde, and the investigation is now being handled by the Pune police's economic offences wing.
Prosecution's Case Against the Tehsildar
Pramod Bombatkar explained the court's decision to TOI, stating that the prosecution successfully contended that Yewale, while serving as tehsildar, intentionally ignored specific directives. He disregarded orders from the then revenue minister and the additional district collector concerning the government land in question.
Despite the regrant application being rejected twice by the revenue minister and a writ petition from the original land holders (watandars) being dismissed by the high court, Yewale proceeded. Based on a letter from Amedia Enterprises LLP, he issued directions to the Botanical Survey of India to vacate the land, facilitating the private takeover.
Defense Arguments and Interim Relief
Yewale's defense lawyer, Harshad Nimbalkar, had argued that his client's decisions were made in a quasi-judicial capacity and were subject to appellate scrutiny. He maintained that criminal action in such a matter was unwarranted. However, the court found merit in the prosecution's arguments for a detailed investigation.
It is noteworthy that earlier, on November 13, the same sessions court had granted Yewale ad-interim pre-arrest bail while hearing his anticipatory bail application, providing temporary relief until a final decision was made. That interim protection has now been revoked with the rejection of his main plea.
The case highlights serious allegations of corruption and misuse of official position in land matters, with potential links to high-profile individuals. The rejection of bail paves the way for the investigating agencies to potentially arrest and interrogate Yewale to unravel the full extent of the scam.
