Alleged 25,000 Crore Scam in Maharashtra Cooperative Bank: EOW Seeks Closure, Ajit Pawar Under Scrutiny

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In a significant development regarding the alleged 25,000 crore scam involving the Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank (Shikhar Bank), the Economic Offenses Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police has moved to close the investigation, sparking heightened criticism from opponents and the public alike. The EOW has submitted a ‘C’ summary to the Special Court, indicating the conclusion of their probe into the matter. The court is scheduled to review the case on March 15, setting the stage for a potential clash in the state over this contentious issue.

The EOW’s decision comes amid mounting scrutiny and speculation surrounding the involvement of key political figures, particularly Ajit Pawar. The investigative body has reportedly found no substantial evidence against Pawar, leading to the submission of a Closure Report to the court. Pawar is expected to make a court appearance on the day of the hearing, with all eyes on the court’s verdict, which could exonerate him from any wrongdoing in the alleged scam.

However, the move by the EOW has triggered a wave of criticism, with MP Sanjay Raut launching a scathing attack on the state government. Raut called for accountability from top leaders such as Devendra Fadnavis, J.P. Nadda, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing that corruption cannot be tolerated, especially under a government that pledged to eradicate it. Raut’s remarks also alluded to the irony of Fadnavis’ previous stance on holding Pawar accountable, suggesting a failure to fulfill promises made to combat corruption.

Explaining the legal intricacies of the case, it is revealed that the police typically file a ‘C’ summary report when a case is deemed civil in nature or when no concrete evidence is found even after a thorough investigation. The situation is further complicated by previous investigations and political developments, including Ajit Pawar’s entry into the Shinde-Fadnavis government in July 2023.

Special Public Prosecutor Raja Thackeray has submitted the ‘C’ Summary Report to the Special Court, with the matter set to be heard before Rahul Rokde on March 15. However, senior social worker Anna Hazare’s lawyer, Satish Talekar, has indicated that the closure report will be challenged, signaling a potential legal battle ahead.

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