The Maharashtra government has maintained a conspicuous silence regarding the findings of a committee investigating alleged irregularities in a controversial land purchase in Pune's Mundhwa area, a case linked to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's son, Parth Pawar. This silence persists even after the one-month extended tenure of the Vikas Kharge-led panel officially lapsed on Tuesday, January 6.
Deadline Lapses Without Clarity
The five-member inquiry committee, formed by Revenue Minister Chandrakant Bawankule, was originally tasked with submitting its report by December 6, 2025. However, the panel sought more time, leading to a one-month extension approved on December 3 last year. That extended deadline passed on January 6 without any official word from the state administration. Attempts to seek clarity from Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) and committee head Vikas Kharge went unanswered.
Senior officials within the revenue department revealed that the government has neither issued fresh instructions for another extension nor indicated whether the committee's report is ready for submission. This lack of communication has created a cloud of uncertainty around the high-profile probe.
Opposition and Activists Cry Foul
The delay has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and social activists, who had anticipated such an outcome. A senior Congress leader expressed surprise that there was "no discussion or clarity" on the report's status even after the extension period ended. They allege the committee was formed as a mere eyewash.
Social activist Vijay Kumbhar, who has been doggedly pursuing the case, stated that the extension and subsequent silence only validate his initial suspicions. "From the day this committee was formed, I said it would deliver nothing. It was created to mislead the public," Kumbhar asserted. He had previously written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the Chief Secretary, alleging a "massive and planned misappropriation" of government land in Mundhwa.
What the Probe Entails
In his formal complaint, Vijay Kumbhar has demanded several decisive actions from the authorities. His key demands include:
- Cancellation of all transactions related to the disputed Mundhwa land deal.
- Registration of criminal cases against those involved in the alleged irregularities.
- Scrapping of the current inquiry committee, citing concerns over an alleged conflict of interest.
The government's inaction following the committee's lapsed tenure now raises significant questions about its commitment to transparency in this politically sensitive matter. All eyes are on the revenue department for its next move, as calls for accountability grow louder.
