The Bombay High Court has questioned Maharashtra Police over why NCP Rajya Sabha MP Parth Pawar was not named as an accused in the controversial Mundhwa land deal case, despite holding a 99% stake in the company at the centre of the transaction.
Justice Madhav Jamdar raised the issue during a hearing concerning the anticipatory bail plea of Pune tehsildar Suryakant Yewale. The court questioned the investigating authorities over their position that the person holding a 99% stake in the company was not responsible, while another individual holding only 1% had been named as an accused.
The court specifically asked whether Parth Pawar, who holds the majority stake in Amadea Enterprises LLP, could not be considered a beneficiary of the transaction. The observation was directed at the investigating agency's approach and does not by itself establish criminal liability against Pawar.
The case concerns nearly 40 acres of land in Pune's Mundhwa area. The property has been described as Mahar Watan land and was reportedly leased to the Botanical Survey of India. Investigators are examining allegations surrounding its transfer to Amadea Enterprises for around ₹300 crore, despite the land being valued substantially higher in proceedings and public discussions.
Digvijay Patil, who has a 1% stake in the company, is among those named as an accused in the case. Pawar, despite his reported 99% stake, was not named in the FIR. The High Court's questioning has therefore brought renewed attention to how investigators determined the responsibility of different individuals connected with the company.
Maharashtra Director General of Police Sadanand Date has also acknowledged that the investigation requires a more detailed and professional examination. In an affidavit submitted to the court, Date said that after scrutiny of the investigation papers, there was a need for further investigation. He also stated that instructions had been issued to the Pune Police Commissioner to ensure that all available leads were pursued.
The High Court was hearing the case while considering Yewale's plea for protection from arrest. Yewale has denied wrongdoing and claimed that he was falsely implicated. The court subsequently granted him anticipatory bail, subject to his cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
The Mundhwa land transaction has faced scrutiny on several fronts, including allegations concerning government approval, valuation and stamp duty. A Pune civil court has also dealt with the validity of the sale transaction, while separate administrative and criminal proceedings remain connected to the broader controversy.
The latest High Court observations do not determine whether Pawar committed any offence. Instead, they have raised questions about the investigating agency's assessment of the roles of people associated with the company. The investigation is continuing, with the Maharashtra police directed to examine the matter in greater detail.
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