Bombay HC shocked: Why no accused Parth Pawar in land deal?
The Bombay High Court questioned why Pune Police failed to name Parth Pawar as an accused in the Mundhwa land deal despite his 99% stake.
The Bombay High Court has expressed profound disbelief regarding the Pune Police's investigation into the Mundhwa land deal case. The court questioned why Parth Pawar, the son of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, has not been named as an accused despite his overwhelming financial interest in the firm at the center of the controversy.
Disparity in Investigation Targets
During a hearing on Thursday, a single-judge bench presided over by Justice Madhav Jamdar highlighted a glaring inconsistency in how the police have identified suspects. The investigation revolves around Ameida Enterprises LLP, a firm that allegedly acquired a 40-acre government land parcel in Pune's Mundhwa area at a price significantly lower than its true market value.
The court pointed out a mathematical anomaly in the police's list of accused individuals:
- Digvijay Patil: Named as an accused despite holding only a 1% stake in Ameida Enterprises LLP.
- Parth Pawar: Not named as an accused despite holding a massive 99% stake in the same firm.
“It is very surprising that a person who owns 99 per cent shares in the partnership firm isn’t made an accused, but someone who owns only 1 per cent shares is named,” Justice Jamdar remarked. The judge further noted the social standing of the individual, stating, “Mr Pawar is a very influential person and is the son of the present Deputy Chief Minister.”
DGP Promises Professional Probe
The court's observations followed a personal affidavit submitted by Maharashtra Director General of Police (DGP) Sadanand Date. This was in response to a previous order from September 7, where the court had demanded clarity on the disparity in the investigation's direction.
In his submission, the DGP acknowledged the need for a more rigorous approach. He informed the bench that:
- The case necessitates a highly detailed and professional investigation.
- The Pune Commissioner of Police has been directed to conduct further inquiries with greater professionalism.
- The DGP will personally monitor the progress of the investigation to ensure accountability.
Justice Jamdar accepted these assurances, allowing the investigation to proceed under heightened scrutiny.
Tehsildar Granted Anticipatory Bail
While the court focused on the corporate partners, it also addressed the anticipatory bail plea of Pune Tehsildar Suryakant Yewale, who is booked in connection with the transaction.
The court granted Yewale anticipatory bail after observing that the allegations against him stemmed from orders passed while he was acting as a quasi-judicial authority. Justice Jamdar noted that there was no specific evidence presented to suggest that Yewale had passed orders under the Bombay Tenancy and Agricultural Lands Act in exchange for illegal gratification or in favor of a specific individual.
The Mundhwa land case continues to draw intense legal scrutiny as the court keeps a close watch on whether the investigation will eventually account for the primary stakeholders of the firm involved in the alleged undervalued land transfer.