In a significant development, the Pune Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has submitted an extensive 1,886-page chargesheet concerning the controversial 40-acre Mundhwa land deal. The document, filed with a city court on January 28, focuses on arrested power of attorney (PoA)-holder Sheetal Kisanchand Tejwani, aged 44, who is accused of executing the sale deed with Amadea Enterprises LLP despite being aware that the plot is owned by the state government.
Key Figures and Allegations in the Case
The chargesheet reveals that Tejwani, acting as the PoA-holder for 272 Watandars (original land holders), and Digvijay Amarsinh Patil, a partner in Amadea Enterprises LLP, were signatories to the deal last year, which was valued at Rs 300 crore. Notably, Parth Pawar, son of late Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, is also a partner in the firm. However, Pune Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar clarified on Monday that the investigation has not uncovered any involvement by Parth Pawar so far, and he has not been named in the FIR.
Additional Accused and Ongoing Investigations
Apart from Tejwani, the FIR mentions Digvijay Amarsinh Patil and arrested tehsildar Suryakant Yewale. Yewale faces accusations of issuing an order directing the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), which holds the lease for the land until 2038, to vacate the plot following a plea from Amadea Enterprises. Commissioner Kumar explained that the chargesheet was filed against Tejwani within the 60-day window, while investigations against Patil and Yewale are ongoing, with a decision on a supplementary chargesheet to be made later. The police have already recorded Patil's statement as part of the probe.
Political and Financial Implications
The Mundhwa land deal has been mired in allegations of irregularities, with opposition parties claiming that the market value of the prime land in Pune's upscale Mundhwa area is as high as Rs 1,800 crore, far exceeding the Rs 300 crore transaction amount. This discrepancy has raised questions about potential undervaluation and corruption in the deal, adding a political dimension to the case given the involvement of high-profile figures like Parth Pawar.
As the investigation continues, the Pune Police's EOW is meticulously examining all aspects of the deal to ensure accountability and justice. The filing of this comprehensive chargesheet marks a crucial step in unraveling the complexities of this high-stakes land scandal, which has captured public attention and sparked debates over governance and transparency in Maharashtra.
