The controversy surrounding the land purchase linked to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s son, Parth Pawar, has taken a fresh turn, with police suspecting that a key accused in the case has gone missing.
According to police sources, Sheetal Tejwani, who held the Power of Attorney in the contentious Mundhwa land deal, is believed to have absconded. A cheating case has been registered against her at Bavdhan Police Station, they confirmed.
For the past two days, Tejwani’s mobile phone has been switched off, and police officers who visited her listed residence found it locked. Investigators suspect she may have left the country and are expected to approach immigration authorities to obtain details of her travel records.
Tejwani’s role is central to the alleged irregularities surrounding the 40-acre Koregaon Park plot, valued at approximately ₹1,800 crore but reportedly sold for just ₹300 crore. She is accused of facilitating the deal by misusing her authority as Power of Attorney holder for the original landowners.
So far, offences have been registered against Tejwani, Digvijay Patil, and suspended sub-registrar Ravindra Taru in connection with the Koregaon Park land transaction. The case has triggered a major political storm, with the Opposition accusing the Pawar family of impropriety and attempting to corner the state government.
According to reports, the sale deed for the Koregaon Park plot, located in one of Pune’s most expensive neighbourhoods, involved an alleged payment of only ₹500 as stamp duty, sparking questions over violations of government norms.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Friday that although the monetary exchange in the deal had not taken place, the registration was completed. “Both parties have sought cancellation of the registration, and they will have to bear the cost of cancellation,” Fadnavis said. “A notice has been issued, and the necessary legal process will follow. A criminal case has been filed, and action will be taken against those responsible.”
He added that an inquiry committee has been constituted to probe the matter, and its report is expected within a month. “Once the report is submitted, strict action will follow. No one will be spared,” he said.
Fadnavis also confirmed that the FIR names the authorised signatories, the seller, and the Power of Attorney holder. “If the inquiry reveals more names, further action will be taken. Even Ajit Pawar agrees that whoever is guilty must face the consequences,” he stated.
