Pune Land Probe Panel Granted Extension, Final Report on Parth Pawar-Linked Deal Expected by Friday
The high-profile committee led by Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) Vikas Kharage, which is investigating alleged irregularities in a controversial Mundhwa land purchase deed connected to Parth Pawar, is now expected to submit its detailed report by this Friday. This comes after the panel was granted a one-week extension to complete its work.
Extension Granted Amid Election Schedule
State Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule confirmed the development on Wednesday, stating that the five-member committee had requested seven additional days to finalize its findings. "The panel is expected to submit the detailed report by Friday. The further course of action will be decided after the submission of the report," Bawankule told reporters.
He explained that the extension was granted in view of the upcoming Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections scheduled for Saturday, which required administrative attention. "The panel sought an extension last week, which ends this Friday. The request was accepted, and the revised deadline expires on Friday," the minister added.
Probe Nearing Completion
A senior revenue department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the inquiry report is in its final stages of preparation. "It is almost ready. Officials from the departments concerned gave their inputs. A report is being collated and will be submitted to the state government soon," the official said.
The committee was specifically constituted to examine alleged irregularities in a land purchase deed related to survey number 88 in Mouje Mundhwa, Pune. Its mandate includes investigating possible procedural lapses in several critical areas:
- Land valuation methods and accuracy
- Documentation and record-keeping processes
- The role of officials involved in the registration process
Background and Previous Extensions
This investigation was initiated in early November last year amid significant political controversy, particularly because it involves Parth Pawar, the son of late deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar. The committee was initially directed to submit its report by December 6, 2023.
However, the deadline was first extended to January 6, 2024, and subsequently by another month after the panel requested more time to thoroughly scrutinize records and responses from multiple government departments. This latest one-week extension marks the second formal extension granted to the committee.
Committee Composition and Integration of Findings
The Kharage-led panel includes several senior officials alongside the chairman:
- Pune Divisional Commissioner
- Commissioner of Land Registration
- Director of Land Records
- Inspector General of Registration and Controller of Stamps
- Pune District Collector
Minister Bawankule had earlier indicated that the findings of another five-member committee appointed by the Inspector General of Registration and Controller of Stamps would be merged with the final report submitted by the Kharage panel, creating a comprehensive document.
Activist Criticism and Political Context
Local activists have expressed frustration with the repeated extensions granted to the committee. Activist Vijay Kumbhar voiced skepticism about the investigation's potential outcomes, telling media outlets that he did not expect significant revelations from the inquiry.
"Parth Pawar was given a clean chit in the Economic Offences Wing case. Here too, the committee is unlikely to name him," Kumbhar said, suggesting that the extensions could potentially dilute the probe's effectiveness and impact.
The investigation unfolds against a backdrop of intense political scrutiny in Maharashtra, with land deals involving political families receiving heightened public and media attention. The committee's findings, expected by Friday, could have significant implications for both administrative accountability and political dynamics in the state.
