Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Saturday that legal proceedings are progressing concerning the land deal associated with Parth Pawar, son of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. No question arises of saving anyone.
Speaking to the media in Gadchiroli, CM Fadnavis mentioned that FIRs have been filed against signatories and sellers. Further investigations will lead to cases being registered against those found guilty, ensuring adherence to the law.
On Friday evening, Ajit Pawar disclosed the cancellation of the deal stating Parth was unaware of the land being government-owned.
Company Faces Double Stamp Duty
Following Ajit Pawar's announcement, it emerged that Amadia Enterprises LLP must pay double the stamp duty, a hefty sum of 420 million INR, due to the cancellation.
The Registration and Stamps Department notified Digvijay Amarsingh Patil, Parth Pawar's cousin and partner in Amadia Enterprises LLP, that the firm initially sought exemption citing a data center proposal. However, they must first remit a 7% stamp duty (5% under Maharashtra Stamp Act, 1% local body tax, and 1% metro cess).
FIRs Against Several Individuals
Based on a complaint by the Inspector General of Registration's office, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police filed FIRs against Digvijay Patil, Sheetal Tejwani, and Sub-Registrar R B Taru, accusing them of alleged embezzlement and fraud. Another FIR includes Patil, Tejwani, and Tehsildar Suryakant Yevle.
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule clarified that Parth Pawar was not named in the FIR as he was absent during the signing at the sub-registrar's office. The government suspended officials Taru and Yevle.
Joint Inspector General (Stamps and Registration) Rajendra Muthhe revealed that Amadia's proposal during the sales deed in May stated stamp duty exemption, claiming a proposed data center on the land. Investigations determined such exemptions are unallowable. Thus, the company owes the previous 7% stamp duty plus an additional 7% for executing the cancellation deed.
What’s the Matter?
The controversy revolves around the alleged illegal sale of 40 acres of government land in Pune's Mundhwa area, reportedly valued at about 18 billion INR. Opposition alleges linked parties, including Parth Pawar's company, acquired the land for 3 billion INR with stamp duty exemptions. The issue surfaced upon discovering the land belonged to the 'Mumbai government,' and the deal was executed with an alleged 7% duty rebate in collusion with sub-registrar Taru.
Additionally, the firm co-owned by Parth Pawar and cousin Digvijay Patil, Amadia Enterprises, reached an agreement with Sheetal Tejwani, who held power of attorney representing 272 alleged landowners, finalizing the 3 billion INR land sale in Mundhwa.
