MSC bank scam case: ED submits chargesheet; NCP leader Ajit Pawar not named

The Enforcement Directorate has submitted a chargesheet in the MSC bank scam case and has named a company linked to NCP leader Ajit Pawar and his wife Sunetra.

However, Pawar and his wife have not been named in the chargesheet.

According to news agency ANI, the ED has attached properties including land, building and machinery of Jarandeshwar Cooperative Sugar Mill worth Rs 65 crore in July 2021 in this case. The matter is listed for hearing on April 19.

According to a report in Times of India, the ED officials did not comment on the reason why they did not name Pawar couple as accused and said that the probe agency will continue its probe against others associated with firms named in the chargesheet.

The TOI report cited their source as saying that the ED may file a separate chargesheet against Pawar and his wife.

Reportedly, the former Maharashtra Deputy CM was never summoned by ED for his statement.

ED attaches properties worth Rs 65 crore

In July 2021, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) attached properties worth Rs 65 crore, including land, building, and machinery of Jarandeshwar Co-operative Sugar Mill, in a case alleging financial irregularities. The assets were held in the name of Guru Commodity Services and leased to Jarandeshwar Sugar Mills Pvt Ltd. Investigations revealed that Sparkling Soil Pvt Ltd, holding the majority shares of Jarandeshwar Sugar Mills Pvt Ltd, was a related company to Ajit Pawar, the then-deputy chief minister, and his wife Sunetra Ajit Pawar.

Allegations of using the mill for obtaining a loan

ED alleged that the mill was used as a vehicle by Jarandeshwar Sugar Mills Pvt Ltd for obtaining a loan of Rs 700 crore from Pune District Central Co-operative Bank and others. Ajit Pawar headed the bank, TOI report stated. In March 2022, the adjudicating authority, appointed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), confirmed the attachment of the mill and its properties.

Reportedly, ED was to file a chargesheet against accused within a year. The chargesheet was submitted in the court last month.

The ED alleged that MSC Bank had auctioned the mill in 2012 at undervalued price and Ajit Pawar was on board of directors. The mill was purportedly purchased by Guru Commodity Services.