Even as the Jain Boarding House land controversy in Pune remains unresolved, another shocking land scam has surfaced — this time allegedly involving Parth Pawar, son of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP President Ajit Pawar.
Parth Pawar has denied any wrongdoing, stating that the transaction was lawful. However, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a probe, calling the allegations “serious in nature,” increasing political pressure on the Deputy CM.
According to reports, Amedia Holdings LLP, a company directed by Parth Pawar, has been accused of purchasing government land in Pune’s upscale Koregaon Park area worth Rs 1,804 crore for just Rs 300 crore. The company also allegedly benefited from a Rs 25 crore stamp duty waiver, paying only Rs 500 to register the transaction.
Amedia Holdings LLP reportedly includes Digvijay Patil, cousin of MLA Rana Jagjitsinh Patil, as Parth Pawar’s business partner. What has raised eyebrows is that the stamp duty waiver was approved within just two days of the deal, prompting questions about how the file moved so swiftly through government channels.
The 40-acre plot, located in a prime zone of Koregaon Park, is said to be government-owned. Opposition leaders have launched sharp attacks, accusing the Pawars of misuse of power.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve alleged, “Amedia, with a capital of just Rs 1 lakh, managed to buy land worth Rs 1,800 crore for Rs 300 crore. How was this even possible? And now, the company is planning to build an IT park and data centre there. Parth Pawar should explain this miracle so that young entrepreneurs can learn his secret.”
Activist Vijay Kumbhar also questioned the waiver, saying, “For a Rs 300 crore deal, the stamp duty should have been Rs 21 crore. Why was it waived? Because he is the Deputy CM’s son? Ordinary citizens pay lakhs in stamp duty for small flats — why this special treatment for the rich?”
With the opposition demanding accountability and a formal inquiry underway, the controversy threatens to deepen the political crisis for Ajit Pawar and his family.