In a significant development in the ongoing Pune land controversy, activists Anjali Damania and Vijay Kumbhar on Monday mounted pressure on the Maharashtra government. They publicly demanded the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against Parth Pawar, the nephew of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar, and called for the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar over the alleged land "scam."
Evidence Presented at Press Conference
The activists, addressing a press conference, presented a series of documents and digital evidence they claim implicate the key figures. They alleged that despite submitting detailed complaints and proof, neither the police nor the state government has taken any concrete action.
A crucial piece of evidence showcased was a series of text messages. These messages, according to Damania, were exchanged between an advocate consulted for the land deal, the collector (stamps), two personal assistants of Ajit Pawar, and an Officer on Special Duty (OSD). The conversations reportedly revolved around discussions concerning the land and the related case. Activist Anjali Damania stated that these messages were provided to the police and the activists by advocate Trupti Thakur.
Documents Linking Parth Pawar to the Case
Further tightening the noose, the activists produced a power of attorney document. On this document, Parth Pawar's signature allegedly appears alongside that of Sheetal Tejwani, an arrested accused in the case. Tejwani is the power of attorney holder for the 116 original holders of the contentious Mahar Watan land parcel located in Mundhwa, Pune.
Another document presented was an authority letter. This letter, signed by Digvijay Patil—identified as a partner of Amadea Enterprises—authorized advocate Trupti Thakur to act and represent Amadea Enterprises in all matters related to the land. The activists also alleged the existence of another power of attorney document signed between Sheetal Tejwani and Parth Pawar in May 2021.
Ultimatum to Government and Political Rebuttal
Damania and Kumbhar revealed they have written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the home portfolio, demanding the inclusion of Parth Pawar's name in the existing FIR and seeking Ajit Pawar's resignation. They issued a stern warning, stating, "Despite complaints and all the evidence, if police and govt will not act, we will have to approach the High Court in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL)." In such a PIL, they plan to make CM Fadnavis the first respondent for failing to act on complaints against the Pawars.
When approached for comment, Parth Pawar did not respond to calls from the media. Meanwhile, the NCP swiftly refuted the allegations. State spokesperson Anand Paranjpe dismissed Damania's claims, stating, "Damania is known for choosing targets. Her allegations have never been proved in the court of law."
The case continues to develop, with activists vowing to escalate their legal battle if their demands for immediate police action and political accountability are not met.
