In a significant relief for Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the Prevention of Benami Property Transactions Appellate Tribunal has cleared him and his family of allegations concerning ownership of benami properties. The verdict, delivered just a day after Pawar assumed office as Deputy CM, brought an end to the controversy surrounding properties worth over ₹1,000 crore.

The properties, including land parcels across Maharashtra, a flat in Delhi, Jarandeshwar Sugar Factory in Satara, and a resort in Goa, were sealed by the Income Tax (IT) Department in 2021 following raids. The case, which began with searches on October 7, 2021, accused Pawar and his family of acquiring assets through benami transactions.

In its judgment, the tribunal ruled that there was no substantial evidence linking the Pawar family to the alleged benami properties. It noted that all financial transactions for the properties in question were conducted through legitimate means, such as bank transfers and other legal channels.

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

Advocate Prashant Patil, representing Pawar, argued that the allegations were baseless and lacked legal merit under the Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions Act. He emphasized that all property dealings were transparent, with no discrepancies in the records submitted.

The tribunal also highlighted that the IT Department failed to establish any direct or indirect link between the Pawar family and the alleged benami assets.