Union Minister Denies Involvement in Pune Land Deal Controversy

Pune: Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, has vehemently denied any involvement in a contentious land deal involving a Rs 230 crore property in Model Colony, Pune. The deal, between Seth Hirachand Nemchand Smarak Trust and Gokhale Landmarks LLP, has sparked significant controversy, with Mohol being accused of benefiting from his past association with the real estate firm.

Mohol stated, “I was a partner in Gokhale Estate LLP and Gokhale Future LLP but exited the partnership from both firms on Nov 25, 2024, nearly 11 months before the land deal was struck between the realty firm and the trustees.” He further emphasized, “Even when I was a partner in these firms, there was no dealing, no transaction, or no project through these entities. I am in the construction business and also a farmer. I have declared details of my partnerships in my Lok Sabha election affidavit.”

The legality of the land deal will be decided by the court, and Mohol reiterated that he has no connection to the transaction, stating, “I have nothing to do with it. The matter is sub judice.”

When contacted, a corporate relations firm representing Gokhale Landmarks LLP declined to comment on the issue, saying, “Our client does not wish to comment on this issue at all at this moment.”

The trust’s statement on Friday detailed the process leading to the land deal. The board passed a resolution on Dec 16, 2024, to sell the property. Public tenders were invited through advertisements in four newspapers on Dec 20, 2024. The highest and most suitable bid was submitted by Gokhale Landmarks LLP and was accepted on Jan 27, 2025. The sale was approved by the Charity Commissioner on April 4, 2025, with conditions including the construction of a new hostel of 52,000 sq ft, which is 2.8 times larger than the current 18,200 sq ft. The sale deed was executed on Oct 8, 2025.

Last week, a group of citizens under the banner of ‘Sakal Jain Samaj’ conducted a long march to oppose the land deal. The trust issued a statement mentioning that it struck a Rs 230 crore deal with Gokhale Landmarks LLP after due process. Former MP and farmers' leader Raju Shetti claimed Mohol was associated with the realty firm and that it had bought the land improperly. Shetti said he tried to contact the MP before going public but did not receive a response. He also raised objections about the deal in September by approaching the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), the Charity Commissioner, and the government.

Shetti added that the trust had a surplus of Rs 8 crore and had decided to sell the property, despite being financially stable. Mohol, on Sunday, said that Shetti had incorrect information.

NCP (SP) member Supriya Sule and Shiv Sena’s Ravindra Dhangekar also raised questions about the deal. NCP (SP) MLAs Rohit Pawar and Jayant Patil expressed doubts about the deal last week. Sule, posting on her X handle, stated that while several related cases are still pending before the Charity Commissioner in Mumbai, the hasty decision to sell the property has raised serious questions within the community. She also noted that the Mahavir Digambar Jain Temple, which has stood on the same premises since 1960, is now under threat, and there are widespread demands from the people that the temple be provided immediate police protection to safeguard its sanctity and structure.

When TOI contacted the trust on Sunday, chairman Chakor Doshi said, “We have already given our detailed press release. Please consider it as our official statement.” The trust, in its statement on Friday, categorically denied all allegations and assured that the temple will remain untouched in its current location and condition. The new hostel will be significantly larger and better equipped. Doshi stated, “The decision to sell the property was made not for personal gain, but to further the trust’s objectives. A transparent and legal process was followed.”

(With inputs from Alim Shaikh)