Mundhwa Land Deal Case: Suspended Sub-Registrar Arrested As Probe Into Multi-Crore Transaction Deepens

Pune: The investigation into alleged irregularities in a major land transaction in Mundhwa intensified on Sunday after Pimpri Chinchwad police arrested suspended sub-registrar Ravindra Balkrushna Taru, who had registered the controversial sale deed earlier this year.

The case centres around a 40-acre land parcel in Mundhwa classified as Mahar watan land, which cannot be sold without prior approval from the state government. The land was reportedly purchased by Amadea Enterprises LLP, a firm linked to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s son Parth Pawar, and his business partner Digvijay Patil.

Arrest of Sub-Registrar

Taru, who worked at the Haveli No. 4 sub-registrar office, registered the sale deed on May 20. He was arrested from his residence in Bhor after investigators concluded that his custodial interrogation was necessary for further inquiry. Police said he will be produced before a court on Monday.

Officers have also sought a production warrant for Sheetal Tejwani, who held power of attorney for the original landowners. She is currently in the custody of Pune city police in a connected investigation and is expected to be handed over once her present custody ends.

FIRs and Allegations

The Inspector General of Registration (IGR) had earlier filed a complaint alleging corruption and procedural violations in the land sale. An FIR was subsequently registered on November 6 at Bavdhan police station under charges of cheating and criminal breach of trust against:

• Digvijay Patil, partner in Amadea Enterprises LLP
• Sheetal Tejwani, power of attorney holder for 272 watandars
• Ravindra Taru, suspended sub-registrar

Investigators claim the land— leased to the Botanical Survey of India—was sold for around ₹300 crore, allegedly far below its market value, which police believe could be more than five times higher. Authorities also stated that stamp duty was waived during the registration.

Separate Probe by Pune Police

In a parallel investigation, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Pune city police arrested Tejwani on December 3. Officers told the court that the 272 watandars, the hereditary holders of the Mahar watan land, did not receive any payment from the deal.

The EOW is now probing whether Tejwani personally received the ₹300 crore and how the money was handled. Preliminary findings also suggest she had repeatedly, but unsuccessfully, attempted since 2013 to seek regrant of the land from government authorities. Despite this, she allegedly submitted an application in November 2020 claiming the land had been regranted—although no such order existed.

What’s Next

Both police units continue to probe the financial trail, procedural lapses and alleged misuse of authority linked to the land transaction. More arrests and summons are expected as the investigation progresses.