In Brief
Parth Pawar accused of scam
What exactly is the Pune land purchase case?
What is 'Mahar Watan' land?
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's son Parth Pawar has been accused of a serious land scam. Ambadas Danve, a leader of the Shiv Sena Thackeray faction, has alleged that Parth Pawar's company purchased Mahar Watan land worth 1800 crores for just 300 crores. Danve has also claimed that only 500 rupees were paid as stamp duty for this. As a result, both Parth Pawar and Ajit Pawar, along with the state government, are facing increased difficulties. Let's find out what exactly this land purchase case is about.
‘What is Mahar Watan land?’
The land purchased by Parth Pawar's Amedia company is 'Mahar Watan'. This land holds historical and legal significance. Mahar Watan was a land grant system in villages during the British era and even before. The Mahar community was responsible for the protection of the village, communication, and other duties. In return for these services, the Mahar community was granted land.
However, this system led to the exploitation of the Mahar community, as they were given less land despite hard work, and the land given was often taken back. To curb this, the Maharashtra government introduced the Bombay Inferior Village Watan Abolition Act, 1958, to end this exploitative system. Under this act, the government took back the lands received as 'watan' and returned them to their owners with certain conditions.
While returning these lands, the government imposed certain conditions, one of which was that under Section 5(3), such land could not be sold or transferred without government permission. Now, Parth Pawar is accused of purchasing this land without government permission, which means he has violated the law. As a result, Parth Pawar's troubles have increased.
Detailed investigation will be conducted – Fadnavis
Speaking about this matter, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, ‘I have requested information regarding this case. I have asked for information related to the Revenue Department, IGR, and Land Records. I have currently given appropriate orders for investigation in this regard. The issues that are emerging at the preliminary level are serious. Therefore, it is necessary to speak only after obtaining the correct information on them.’