Nagpur: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday ordered a probe into allegations of irregularities in a Pune land deal linked to deputy CM Ajit Pawar’s son Parth Pawar.
“I have sought all information regarding the issue. Revenue department, IGR, land records have been asked to be submitted. I have also directed that appropriate inquiry be held. Serious issues are coming forward at the primary level. Therefore, I will speak only after taking necessary information,” Fadnavis told reporters in Nagpur.
“I believe that even the deputy chief minister would not support such a deal. Because we have unanimity in the government, that wherever irregularity has taken place, action should be taken. We will verify whether there is an irregularity or not and will accordingly take action,” he added.
The chief minister has formed a three-member inquiry panel headed by Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) Vikas Kharge.
The sub-registrar’s office allegedly waived stamp duty of Rs 21 crore for the registration of a 40-acre land in Mundhwa worth Rs 300 crore to Amadea Enterprises LLP of Parth Pawar in May.
The Opposition in Maharashtra has alleged that total cost of the land was Rs 1,800 crore, but it was sold to Pawar’s company at a mere Rs 300 crore, including a waiver of stamp duty.
It’s prime location, as the land is adjacent to Pune’s upmarket Koregaon Park area.
State Revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankuke said the committee will check if the exemption in stamp duty was given as per law. “There is a specific law about Mahar Watan land and an exemption in stamp duty for specific purposes,” he said.
The probe panel will check if provisions of law related to the Mahar Watan land have been followed. Mahar Watan refers to hereditary land grants to the Mahar community.
Such lands cannot be sold without prior approval from the state government.
Parth denies wrongdoing, Ajit says he has no information
Parth Pawar told a news channel he has done no wrong. “I have not committed any scam. I have done nothing wrong,” he said.
His father Ajit, who is busy with party meetings ahead of upcoming local body polls, distanced himself from the land deal row.
“I do not have complete information about whatever the media is showing on TV channels. I have no direct or indirect connection with that matter. The people of Maharashtra have known me for 35 years. I have decided to get complete information about this matter. I had heard about something like this going on two-four months ago. I had given instructions not to do any wrong things. But what happened in the meantime? I do not know,” the Deputy CM said.
Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal has demanded Ajit’s resignation for allegedly helping his son buy property worth thousands of crores at throwaway prices.
