Developer Withdraws from Rs 230 Crore Jain Trust Land Deal Amid Protests
Amidst growing opposition, developer Vishal Gokhale of Gokhale Landmarks LLP has decided to pull out of a Rs 230 crore land deal with the Seth Hirachand Nemchand Digambar Jain Boarding Trust in Model Colony, Pune. The decision comes after protests from the Jain community and political allegations.
Real EstateJain CommunityLand DealPuneProperty DevelopmentReal Estate PuneOct 27, 2025
The mail also urged the trust to execute a deed of cancellation of the deal and treat the transaction as rescinded. Protesters from the Jain community have welcomed the developer's decision but clarified that their agitation would continue until the deal is officially cancelled. A hearing on the case is scheduled before the Charity Commissioner on Tuesday where a decision is expected.
Gokhale, partner in Gokhale Landmarks LLP and also chairman and managing director of Gokhale Constructions, in his email to the trustees, said that he made his decision based 'on the humble request of several members of the Jain community, including existing Jain clients, friends, and acquaintances, and in deference to their religious sentiments.'
He requested the trustees to refund the entire transaction amount of Rs 230 crore.
In an official statement, Gokhale said, 'The temple is sacred to us as well, and we respect the sentiments of the Jain community associated with it. Therefore, honouring their feelings about the temple and the hostel building, we have decided to withdraw from this project. We have sent an email to the trustees of Seth Hirachand Nemchand Digambar Jain Boarding Trust, requesting that the legal process for cancellation of the transaction be initiated.'
Several members of the Jain community have been protesting against the sale of property for days in Pune. Politics over the deal started heating up when not only the opposition but also Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena's Pune unit chief Ravindra Dhangekar alleged that Union minister of state for civil aviation and Pune's MP Murlidhar Mohol was involved as he was a business partner in Gokhale Constructions.
Gokhale stated in his mail that despite following all due procedures in accordance with law, ‘false and misleading' information was circulated in public domain suggesting irregularities in the transaction which caused serious damage to his reputation and the image of the construction firm he owns.
He said, 'Although the redevelopment would have benefitted the trust and its students, without even making the slightest interference to the temple situated on the said property, I am deeply saddened that the issue has been unnecessarily drawn into political and social discourse, causing distress to many well-intentioned individuals.'
Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana party chief Raju Shetti, who is backing the protesters, said that he had received a call from Mohol on Sunday night, informing him that Gokhale has decided to withdraw from the land deal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the Rs 230 crore land deal in Model Colony, Pune?
The developer, Vishal Gokhale of Gokhale Landmarks LLP, has decided to pull out of the Rs 230 crore land deal with the Seth Hirachand Nemchand Digambar Jain Boarding Trust in Model Colony, Pune, due to opposition and protests from the Jain community.
Why did the Jain community protest against the land deal?
The Jain community protested against the land deal because they believe the property, which includes a temple and a hostel building, is sacred and should not be sold or redeveloped.
What did Vishal Gokhale request from the trustees of the Jain trust?
Vishal Gokhale requested the trustees to execute a deed of cancellation of the deal and treat the transaction as rescinded, and to refund the entire transaction amount of Rs 230 crore.
What political allegations were made regarding the land deal?
Political allegations were made that Union minister of state for civil aviation and Pune's MP Murlidhar Mohol was involved in the deal as a business partner in Gokhale Constructions.
What is the next step in the legal process for the cancellation of the land deal?
A hearing on the case is scheduled before the Charity Commissioner on Tuesday, where a decision is expected to be made regarding the official cancellation of the land deal.
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