Fadnavis Orders Probe Into Land Deal Linked to Ajit Pawar’s Son
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar distanced himself from the controversy, asserting he had no role in the deal
Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday directed Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) Vikas Kharge to conduct an inquiry into a Rs 300-crore land transaction in Pune allegedly involving Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s son, Parth Pawar. The deal concerns the sale of 40 acres of government-owned Mahar Watan land to Amadea Enterprises LLP, a firm in which Parth Pawar is a partner.
The transaction has come under scrutiny for alleged irregularities, including a stamp duty waiver and the transfer of state-owned land to a private entity without due permissions. Officials said the Pune district administration suspended tehsildar Suryakant Yewale and sub-registrar Ravindra Taru in connection with the case. Sources claimed that the Pune Collector’s permission had not been obtained prior to the transaction.
According to reports, the prime land parcel valued at over Rs 1,000 crore was sold for around Rs 300 crore. What has further raised eyebrows is that the stamp duty paid was allegedly only Rs 500, instead of the Rs 21 crore applicable under prevailing rates.
Opposition parties have alleged that the land, classified as Mahar Watan, was sold in violation of government norms.
Chief Minister Fadnavis confirmed that he had sought details from the Revenue Department, Inspector General of Registration (IGR), and the Land Records Department. “Based on preliminary information, an inquiry has been ordered. The issue is serious, and it would be appropriate to comment further only after receiving the full report,” he said.
Mr. Fadnavis added that he did not believe his deputy would “encourage anything of this sort,” but stressed that “wherever irregularities are found, action will certainly be taken”.
A senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the land had vested with the Maharashtra government in 1955 after the abolition of Mahar Watan rights and was handed over to the Botanical Survey of India in 1977. However, in 2018, the property card was allegedly altered to show ownership in the names of private individuals, who later sold it to Amadea Enterprises LLP. “The company proposed to develop an IT park and, on the basis of a letter of intent, received a stamp duty waiver by paying only Rs 500,” the official said.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar distanced himself from the controversy, asserting he had no role in the deal. “I have never called any official for my relatives nor supported any wrongdoing. If anyone misuses my name for illegal work, I do not endorse it. The Chief Minister has every right to order an inquiry,” Mr. Pawar said.