Maharashtra Dy CM Ajit Pawar cleared of Benami charges, IT dept releases seized properties

In a significant relief to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the Prevention of Benami Property Transactions Appellate Tribunal has dismissed allegations of benami property ownership against him and his family. Following the tribunal’s ruling, the Income Tax Department on Friday, December 6, cleared properties valued at over ₹1,000 crore that were seized during a 2021 investigation.

The case dates back to October 7, 2021, when the Income Tax Department conducted searches at several locations linked to Ajit Pawar and his family, alleging that they held assets through benami transactions. The attached properties included Jarandeshwar Sugar Factory in Satara, a resort in Goa, a flat in Delhi, and multiple land parcels across Maharashtra.

In its verdict, the tribunal found no substantial evidence to support claims of benami ownership. It stated that all payments for the properties in question were made through legitimate financial channels, either via bank transfers or other legal means.

The tribunal further clarified, “There is no evidence to suggest that Ajit Pawar or his family transferred funds to acquire benami properties.”

Representing Pawar, Advocate Prashant Patil argued that the family had not committed any wrongdoing, and the allegations were baseless and lacked legal standing under the Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions Act. He pointed out that all property transactions were carried out through legitimate channels, including banking systems, and there were no irregularities in the records presented. The tribunal emphasised that the material produced by the Income Tax Department failed to establish any link between the Pawar family and benami properties.

The tribunal’s ruling came just a day after Ajit Pawar took oath as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, following political negotiations within the Mahayuti alliance after their electoral victory.