Gokhale Landmarks Withdraws from Controversial ₹230-Crore Jain Trust Land Deal in Pune

Gokhale Landmarks LLP has decided to withdraw from a controversial land deal with the Seth Hirachand Nemchand Jain Digambar Boarding Trust in Pune. The developer had acquired a prime 3.5-acre plot in Model Colony for ₹311 crore, of which ₹230 crore was already paid. The decision to exit the deal comes amid allegations of irregularities and a pending hearing with the Charity Commissioner of Mumbai.

In an email sent to the trustees, Gokhale Landmarks LLP stated that misleading rumors suggesting irregularities in the transaction had caused damage to their professional reputation and created social unrest. Vishal Gokhale, a partner in the LLP, emphasized that despite the potential benefits to the trust and its students, the project had taken a political turn. He expressed his moral responsibility and respect for the sentiments of the Jain community as reasons for not proceeding with the transaction.

The Charity Commissioner of Mumbai had previously ordered a status quo on the transaction following complaints of irregularities. Members of the Jain community accused the trust of favoring the developer and violating norms governing charitable land. On October 26, community representatives reiterated their demand for the deal to be formally canceled, threatening indefinite agitation if it was not.

Jain Muni Guptinandji Maharaj expressed gratitude for the developer's decision to withdraw, while Akshay Jain, a member of the Jain community involved in the agitation, stated that they would continue their protest until the proposal was officially scrapped. The community has also announced a one-day fasting protest on October 29.

The controversy took a political turn when former MLA and Shiv Sena leader Ravindra Dhangekar publicly supported the Jain community and demanded the deal be scrapped, alleging the involvement of Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol in the transaction. Mohol denied all allegations, stating that he had withdrawn his stake in Gokhale Landmarks LLP before the deal was formalized.

The property in question, located in Model Colony and measuring about 12,000 square meters, includes a Jain boarding facility and temple under the Seth Hirachand Nemchand Smarak Trust, established in 1958. With the developer now formally withdrawing, the future of the trust’s prime land in Model Colony remains uncertain, pending further direction from the charity commissioner’s office.