Pune: Pune Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has arrested Sheetal Tejwani in connection with the controversial land deals in Pune District, a multi-crore land scam where she allegedly acted as the power of attorney to Amadea Enterprises LLP, a firm in which Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's son, Parth Pawar, is a partner.
Tejwani, who was previously reported to be absconding after being named as an accused alongside Parth Pawar's business partner Digvijay Patil and others for alleged misappropriation and cheating, was taken into custody on Wednesday.
Pune Police on Wednesday arrested Sheetal Tejwani for her alleged involvement in a major land fraud linked to the Mundhwa land case. Tejwani is accused of misleading local communities and manipulating administrative procedures to illegally facilitate the transfer of approximately 40 acres of prime land near Pune’s Koregaon Park area. According to investigators, she used forged or unauthorised powers of attorney and multiple financial channels to move the land into her name. She had been questioned several times earlier, but has now been taken into custody.
A senior police officer told The Free Press Journal, “Without valid documents or proof, Tejwani convinced several Mahar Watan land holders and obtained a power of attorney from them. In many cases, she paid each of the 275 Mahar Watan landholders only a nominal amount. The land in question has been leased to the Botanical Garden for nearly 90 years, and the Mahar Watan landholders are not the legal owners. Despite this, Tejwani approached the court, claiming rights over the property.”
The officer further explained that Tejwani allegedly submitted suo motu applications and produced demand drafts worth ₹11,000 to create an appearance of legitimacy. She then presented these documents to a third party, Amadea Enterprises LLP, indicating that the land was clear for purchase. “Based on her misleading documents, the third party expressed interest, and the deal was finalised. For deceiving the administration, the Mahar Watan Landholders and the company, Tejwani has been booked,” the officer added.
Police say further investigation is underway to identify additional beneficiaries and to trace financial transactions associated with the alleged scam.
