Pune Land Deal Investigation Intensifies
The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Pune police recorded Sheetal Tejwani's statement for the second time on Thursday in the controversial Pune land deal case linked to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's son Parth Pawar's firm. This marks the second time within three days that Tejwani has been questioned by investigators.
Extended Questioning Session
Tejwani remained present at the Commissioner's Office for more than four hours during the latest questioning session. Pune Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar confirmed the development but maintained that the police won't disclose the content of the statement recorded at this stage of investigation.
When contacted by media representatives, Commissioner Kumar stated, "We are verifying whatever she says or the documents she has supplied or whatever we have got from the concerned government department and office. The investigation is ongoing."
Broader Investigation Scope
When questioned about whether other accused individuals would be called for similar questioning, Kumar responded, "We are investigating the case from all angles and all concerned shall be called at the appropriate time." This statement indicates that the police are preparing to expand their investigation to include other key figures in the case.
The case revolves around the Mundhwa land deal - a controversial Rs 300-crore transaction between Amadea Enterprises LLP, where Parth Pawar holds 99 percent stake, and Sheetal Tejwani. According to the District Collector's findings, Tejwani held power of attorney for the 272 original watandars whose land was sold to Pawar's firm in contravention of established rules.
The investigation has revealed several irregularities in the deal, including the controversial waiver of stamp duty on the transaction. Adding to the complexity, the plot in question had been taken over by the government decades ago and was leased to the Botanical Survey of India until 2038, raising questions about the legality of the sale.
Multiple Accused and Related Cases
The list of accused in the Mundhwa land deal case includes several prominent individuals:
- Sheetal Tejwani
- Digvijay Patil (Parth Pawar's business partner)
- Suryakant Yewale (suspended tehsildar)
- Other involved parties
In a related development, the Bopodi case FIR names additional accused including Hemant Gawande, Rajendra Vidhwans, Rushikesh Vidhwans, Mangal Vidhwans, Vidyanand Puranik and Jayashree Ekbote. These individuals are alleged to have sought wrongful possession of government-owned land in Bopodi.
Suspended tehsildar Suryakant Yewale features in both cases, though he has consistently maintained his innocence. A local court has granted him interim bail while the investigations continue.
The Pune police's Economic Offences Wing continues to pursue all leads in what appears to be a complex web of property transactions involving government land and potential regulatory violations.
