Maharashtra MP Sandipan Bhumre to File Defamation Case Against Sena (UBT) Leader Ambadas Danve
In a dramatic political escalation, Shiv Sena MP Sandipan Bhumre from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar declared on Wednesday that he will initiate a defamation lawsuit against Shiv Sena (UBT) member Ambadas Danve. This move comes in response to Danve's serious allegations regarding a controversial land compensation deal linked to the Samruddhi Expressway project.
Allegations of Misused Compensation Funds
On Tuesday, Ambadas Danve had publicly accused MP Bhumre of receiving an exorbitant compensation amount exceeding Rs 1,150 crore for 23 acres of land located in the Harsul area. This land parcel was acquired by the government specifically for the ambitious Samruddhi Expressway infrastructure project.
Danve further claimed that just before the official acquisition process commenced, the ownership of the land was transferred to Bhumre's driver through a legal instrument known as a 'Hibanama,' which is a deed of gift under Islamic law. He described this transaction as a novel method of misappropriating government funds with political backing and strongly urged the Maharashtra state government to order a thorough CID investigation into the matter.
Bhumre's Forceful Rebuttal and Legal Threat
Responding with vigor, MP Sandipan Bhumre dismissed all accusations as entirely baseless and devoid of factual merit. He announced his firm intention to pursue legal action by filing a defamation case against Danve to clear his name and reputation.
"The Hibanama in question dates back to the year 1971, whereas my driver was born in 1985, making the allegation chronologically impossible," Bhumre stated emphatically. "Moreover, the specific land record cited by Danve does not even exist in official documentation."
He also highlighted a critical inconsistency in Danve's narrative, pointing out that the original owner of the land was reportedly a Hindu woman. "How can a Hindu individual execute a Hibanama, which is strictly a contractual agreement permissible only between two Muslim parties?" Bhumre questioned, suggesting Danve's claims were fabricated.
The MP attributed Danve's actions to personal frustration following the conclusion of his tenure as the Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra legislative council, implying the allegations were politically motivated.
Danve's Persistent Demands for Clarification
Unfazed by the defamation threat, Ambadas Danve maintained his stance and called for greater transparency from Bhumre. He insisted that the MP must provide a satisfactory explanation for several glaring discrepancies he identified.
"There is a clear mismatch between the 1971 date of the Hibanama and the driver's 1985 birth year that requires clarification," Danve asserted. "Additionally, the absence of a valid land record number raises serious doubts about the transaction's legitimacy."
Danve also pointed out perceived inconsistencies in Bhumre's statements. "On one hand, Bhumre claims he cannot account for the actions of individuals accompanying him, yet on the other hand, he unconditionally guarantees his driver's truthfulness. This contradiction is troubling," he remarked.
Reiterating his initial demand, Danve pressed for an official CID inquiry into what he described as a suspicious Hibanama, emphasizing the need for accountability in the use of public funds for the Samruddhi Expressway project.
The confrontation underscores deepening political tensions in Maharashtra, with both sides digging in their heels over allegations that involve significant financial implications and ethical questions surrounding major infrastructure development.
