Big relief for Ajit Pawar as tax department clears seized assets in Benami case
Mumbai: In a significant relief for Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the Income Tax department has cleared assets worth over ₹1,000 crore that were seized in 2021. This decision came after the Prevention of Benami Property Transactions Appellate Tribunal dismissed the charges that Pawar and his family owned benami properties.
The ruling, which came just a day after Ajit Pawar took oath as Deputy Chief Minister, followed a series of raids conducted by the Income Tax department on October 7, 2021. The raids were linked to allegations of benami assets, leading to the attachment of several properties, including a sugar factory in Satara, a flat in Delhi, and a resort in Goa.
However, the investigation revealed that none of these properties were registered in Ajit Pawar's name. The tribunal, citing insufficient evidence, rejected the charges and affirmed that the properties were acquired through legitimate financial routes. It also noted that the I-T department failed to establish any connection between the Pawar family and the benami properties.
"There is no evidence to suggest that Ajit Pawar or his family transferred funds to acquire benami properties," the tribunal stated.
Ajit Pawar’s legal representative, Advocate Prashant Patil, maintained that the allegations lacked legal merit and that the family’s property transactions were conducted through proper channels, including the banking system. Patil emphasised that the records showed no irregularities in the transactions.
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Dakshina Kannada: Two girls drown while bathing near Kolyadakatta dam in Kadaba
Mangaluru: Two girl students drowned while bathing near the Kolyadakatta dam area of the Gundya river on Friday evening here in the Kadaba Taluk of the district.
The deceased have been identified as Arpita (15) and Sunita (21), both residents of Vimalagiri in Kutrupadi village.
According to reports, five girl students had visited the river along with their friends as it was a holiday. While bathing in the river, the two students reportedly entered a deeper portion of the water without realising the depth and began drowning.
Those accompanying them tried to rescue the duo, but were unsuccessful, leading to the tragedy.
After receiving information about the incident, Kadaba Police Station personnel visited the spot and conducted an inspection. The bodies were later recovered with the help of local residents.
