Bombay High Court Questions Pune Police Over Deputy CM's Son in Land Deal Scam

The Bombay High Court has raised serious questions about the Pune police's handling of the Pune land deal case, particularly the involvement of Parth Pawar, son of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. During a hearing for the pre-arrest bail plea of Sheetal Tejwani, an accused in the case, a single bench of Justice Madhav Jamdar expressed concerns over the police's actions. The court questioned whether the police were protecting Parth Pawar while investigating others involved in the scam.

Justice Jamdar asked, “Is this the case where the deputy CM's son is involved?” Prosecutor Mankunwar Deshmukh confirmed the involvement. The judge then pressed further, “Is the police protecting the son of the deputy CM and only investigating the others? You are investigating everyone but the one person who you should be investigating, you are not calling him?”

The prosecutor responded that their probe was ongoing and they were conducting their investigations. The High Court's observations are significant, especially since the Pune land deal scam broke out, and the Maharashtra Opposition and social activists have been questioning why Parth Pawar has not been named in the FIR.

In November, an FIR was filed against Amadea company, owned by Parth Pawar, for purchasing 40 acres of prime land in Pune, valued at Rs 1,800 crore, for just Rs 300 crore. Sheetal Tejwani had tried to broker a deal with Amadea company, claiming she had the power of attorney from the seller. The discrepancy in the land value and the low purchase price have raised suspicions of a scam, leading to the FIR and subsequent investigations.

The case has garnered significant attention due to the involvement of high-profile political figures. Ajit Pawar, the Deputy CM of Maharashtra, is a key figure in the state's political landscape. Any missteps or perceived favoritism in the investigation could have far-reaching implications for his political career and the public's trust in the administration.

The Bombay High Court's intervention highlights the need for a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations. The court's scrutiny is expected to ensure that all parties, including Parth Pawar, are treated equally under the law. The ongoing probe and the court's oversight are crucial steps in maintaining the integrity of the legal process and upholding public trust in the justice system.