Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has denied having anything to do with the land deal involving his son Parth Pawar after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered a probe into the matter.
Speaking to reporters, Pawar said: “I don’t have complete information about this matter… I have nothing to do with it. The people of Maharashtra have known me for 35 years. I decided to get complete information about… Three four months, I heard that something was cooking. At that time, I gave instructions that no one should do anything wrong. I gave clear instructions but I don’t know what happened after that… I don’t have complete information about the deal. I don’t know who gave permission.”
However, Pawar welcomed the probe ordered by CM Fadnavis. “The Prime Minister has ordered an investigation. He is right to do so,” he said.
“So far, I have never called or asked any official to help any of my relatives or close ones. I want to tell the officials that if anyone uses my name to indulge in any illegal things, he will not have my support. I am a ‘Karyakarta’ who works within the law. Everyone knows that,” he added.
When contacted, Pune District Collector Jitendra Dodi said that the sale contract would be canceled in this regard. “The land has not been taken over. The sale contract has not been executed. It will be cancelled. I have asked the IGR to cancel the land deal.” He also stated that tehsildar Surkayant Yewale has been suspended.
When asked whether the sale had been completed, the district collector agreed. He said. “It’s already sold.” Dodi also noted that it was possible that the parties were not aware that the land was Mahar Watan land. He added: “This is because the land is specified in the sales contract as agricultural land, and the land is still in our possession.”
However, Dodi noted that officials may have been aware that the land was Mahar Watan land. “We will act against the officials responsible for executing the sale contract. The first culprit appears to be the sub-registrar. The IGR has also maintained that there was a mistake. Whether it was a mistake made unintentionally or knowingly, the officials involved in this case are guilty. They will all face action,” he said, adding that the land is located in Yerawada district.
(Tags for translation) Ajit Pawar
