In a significant turn of events, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and his family have been exonerated of allegations of owning benami properties. The Prevention of Benami Property Transactions Appellate Tribunal delivered its verdict on Thursday, just a day after Pawar assumed office as Deputy Chief Minister.
Assets Released by the Income Tax Department
Following the tribunal’s ruling, the Income Tax Department on Friday released properties valued at over ₹1,000 crore, which had been seized during searches in 2021. The released assets include:
- Land parcels in Maharashtra
- A flat in Delhi
- The Jarandeshwar Sugar Factory in Satara
- A resort in Goa
Background of the Case
The allegations stemmed from October 2021, when the Income Tax Department conducted raids at locations linked to Ajit Pawar and his family. They were accused of holding assets acquired through benami transactions, which are prohibited under the Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions Act.
Tribunal's Verdict
The tribunal ruled that there was no substantial evidence to link Pawar or his family to benami property ownership. It confirmed that all financial transactions related to the seized properties were conducted transparently through legitimate channels like bank transfers.
“There is no evidence to suggest that Ajit Pawar or his family transferred funds to acquire benami properties,” the tribunal stated in its order.
Advocate Prashant Patil, representing the Pawar family, argued that the allegations were unfounded and lacked legal merit. He highlighted that all transactions were documented and aligned with banking regulations.
The tribunal also noted shortcomings in the evidence presented by the Income Tax Department, which failed to establish any direct connection between the Pawar family and the alleged benami assets.
Relief for Ajit Pawar
This verdict brings a significant reprieve for Ajit Pawar and his family, effectively closing a high-profile case that had cast a shadow over the family for nearly three years. The decision comes at a critical juncture as Pawar takes on his new role in Maharashtra’s government.
This development reinforces the importance of transparent financial practices and emphasizes the need for robust evidence in cases involving high-stakes allegations.
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