A magistrate court in Paud, Pune, has extended the police custody of a suspended sub registrar, deepening the probe into a significant alleged land scam involving prime government land in Mundhwa. The state prosecution successfully argued for more time to interrogate the accused, Ravindra B Taru (58), citing fresh financial evidence and the need for digital forensic analysis.
Financial Trails and Alleged Collusion
The prosecution informed the court that the Bavdhan police are investigating suspicious deposits totalling Rs 48,000 into Taru's bank account around the time of a controversial property registration. According to the investigation, Rs 20,000 was deposited on May 20, the very day a sale deed for a Mundhwa government land parcel was registered by him. This was followed by two more deposits of Rs 18,000 and Rs 10,000 on May 21.
Taru was arrested on December 7 on charges of conspiring with two other individuals: Sheetal Tejwani, who claims power of attorney for the original holders of the Mahar Watan land, and Digvijay Patil, a partner at Amadea Enterprises LLP. The police allege they colluded to register the sale deed without proper verification.
The Massive Stamp Duty Evasion
The core of the scandal revolves around a massive loss of government revenue through stamp duty waiver. The deal involved a declared consideration of Rs 300 crore. Under the Maharashtra Stamp Act, the applicable duty would be 5% plus 1% local body tax and 1% metro cess, amounting to approximately Rs 21 crore.
However, the sale deed was registered after collecting only a token stamp duty of Rs 500. This was done citing an industrial concession under a Letter of Intent (LoI) from the Pune District Industries Centre. The government's case asserts that even if the main concession was valid, the 1% local body tax and 1% metro cess (about Rs 6 crore) were not exempt, indicating a prima facie revenue loss of that amount.
Expanding Investigation and Extended Custody
Senior inspector Anil Vibhute and his team produced Taru before the court on Monday after his initial remand period ended. They sought and were granted a further extension of his police custody until December 19.
The police remand report outlines a broadening investigation. Authorities are examining whether Taru holds other bank accounts or received illegal gratification through additional means. The report highlights his alleged criminal intent, noting he proceeded with the registration even after writing to the original landholders about certain deficiencies.
In their search for evidence, the police have already searched his office and seized his mobile phone for forensic analysis. The report states that other digital devices like computers, laptops, tablets, SIM cards, and memory cards also need examination. There is a strong suspicion that relevant documents may have been disposed of or destroyed.
The case underscores serious concerns over procedural lapses and potential corruption in high-value land transactions, leading to substantial losses to the state exchequer.
