Ajit Pawar defends son Parth amid Pune land row, orders probe and cancellation
Pune, Maharashtra – Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Friday firmly defended his son Parth over the controversial land purchase in Pune. He said Parth and his business partner, Digvijay Patil, did not know the plot their firm bought belonged to the government. Pawar confirmed that the ₹300-crore deal now stands cancelled.
The controversy erupted after allegations of undervaluation, irregularities, and misuse of political influence surfaced. The 40-acre government land in question was reportedly sold to Amedea Enterprises, where Parth is a partner. The firm bought it for ₹300 crore, though its market value was estimated at ₹1,800 crore.
Speaking at a press conference, Pawar said the land transaction never reached completion. “The documents have been cancelled. Affidavits are filed with authorities. No money changed hands. Parth and Patil did not know the land belonged to the state,” he said.
He clarified that neither Parth nor anyone from his family took possession of the land. “The deal was only an agreement. No payment was made. Hence, the transaction stayed incomplete,” Pawar added.
As the controversy grew, the government appointed a high-level committee to probe the matter. Additional Chief Secretary Vikas Kharge heads the inquiry, and the committee will submit its report within a month. An interim report from the Revenue Secretary had already flagged serious malpractices in the transaction.
Pawar denied any attempt to pressure officials. “The investigation will show how registration took place and who is responsible,” he said. He also instructed authorities to review and cancel any other land deals involving his relatives if found irregular.
The Pune Police registered an FIR against three people linked to the sale deed. Those named include Digvijay Patil, an authorised signatory of the purchasing firm, and a suspended sub-registrar. They face charges of cheating, misappropriation, and stamp duty evasion. Pawar clarified that Parth’s name does not appear in the FIR. “Only those who signed the documents at the registrar’s office are named,” he said.
Meanwhile, political heat around the case intensified. Opposition parties demanded a full investigation and questioned the role of top officials. Pawar, a key NCP leader in the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance, spent the day holding urgent meetings.
He met senior NCP leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare at his Devgiri residence early Friday. Later, he discussed the issue with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at Varsha Bungalow. Both leaders reviewed the situation as the controversy threatened to dent the ruling alliance’s image.
By evening, Pawar reiterated his stand that his son had acted in good faith. “We will cooperate fully with the probe. No wrongdoing will be spared,” he said.
The government has assured transparency in the investigation. Officials said the final report would clarify the legality of the deal and fix accountability for the alleged lapses.
