Mumbai: Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Thursday dismissed reports claiming that a clean chit has been given to Parth Pawar in the controversial 40-acre Pune land transaction, stating clearly that the investigation is still underway and no conclusions have been drawn so far.
Addressing media queries, Bawankule clarified that the inquiry committee headed by senior IAS officer Vikas Kharge has asked for additional time to complete its examination of the case. He said the panel has requested an extension of eight more days, which the state government is expected to approve to allow the inquiry to be completed properly.
The controversy revolves around the sale of 40 acres of state-owned land in Pune, which has an estimated market value of around ₹1,800 crore. The land was sold for ₹300 crore to Amedea Enterprises LLP, a firm in which Parth Pawar, son of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, is listed as the consideration holder. The deal came under scrutiny last year after allegations surfaced over valuation, process, and benefits extended during the transaction.
According to available records, the sale deed was executed by Digvijay Patil, a cousin of Parth Pawar and a partner in the firm, along with Sheetal Tejwani, who acted as the power of attorney holder for the tenants involved in the land. The transaction also included a stamp duty exemption amounting to nearly ₹21 crore, which further intensified the political and public debate around the deal.
The inquiry committee was initially asked to submit its report within one month. However, it has already received two extensions, and the latest request for more time has once again raised questions. Social activists and opposition voices have criticised the repeated delays, alleging that the probe is being unnecessarily stretched.
Pune-based RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar openly questioned the pace of the investigation, claiming that prolonged extensions could weaken the credibility of the inquiry. He alleged that the process risks becoming a mere formality instead of a serious examination of the land deal.
Bawankule, however, maintained that the government has not interfered in the inquiry and reiterated that no individual has been cleared so far. He said the administration wants the committee to submit a detailed and factual report, after which appropriate action will be taken based on its findings.
