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3 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu
4 min
EconomyPolity & GovernanceNEWS

EOW Chargesheet: Tejwani Sold Government-Owned Mundhwa Land; Pawar's Son Involved

EOW chargesheet reveals Tejwani sold government land in Mundhwa; Parth Pawar's firm involved.

EOW Chargesheet: Tejwani Sold Government-Owned Mundhwa Land; Pawar's Son Involved

Photo by Sasun Bughdaryan

Shital Tejwani, holding power of attorney for land in Mundhwa, facilitated its sale to a firm co-owned by late Deputy CM Ajit Pawar’s son, Parth Pawar, despite knowing its government ownership. The 1,886-page chargesheet was filed by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) against Ms. Tejwani on January 28, 2026.

The investigation against Digvijay Patil and suspended tehsildar Suryakant Yeole is underway. Despite knowing the 40-acre land is government property, Ms. Tejwani sold it to Amadea Enterprises.

The sale of 40 acres of land for purported ₹300 crore came under scrutiny amid allegations of irregularities and a lack of requisite clearances. Opposition leaders alleged the market value of the land was ₹1,800 crore.

Key Facts

1.

Shital Tejwani: Sold government-owned land in Mundhwa

2.

Parth Pawar's firm: Co-owned Amadea Enterprises

3.

Land value: Allegedly sold for ₹300 crore, market value ₹1,800 crore

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper II: Governance, transparency and accountability

2.

GS Paper III: Economy, land reforms

3.

Potential for questions on land laws, economic offences, and governance

Visual Insights

Mundhwa Land Scam Location

Location of the Mundhwa land in Maharashtra, where the alleged scam took place.

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Background

Land ownership and transfer in India are governed by a complex interplay of laws and regulations. The Transfer of Property Act, 1882, lays down the general principles for transfer of immovable property. However, land being a state subject under the Indian Constitution, each state has its own specific land laws and regulations. These laws often have historical roots in the colonial era and have been amended over time to address contemporary issues. The concept of power of attorney is crucial in property transactions. It allows an individual to delegate their authority to another person to act on their behalf. However, the power of attorney does not confer ownership rights; it merely allows the attorney to act as an agent of the principal. The misuse of power of attorney is a common issue in property disputes, often leading to litigation and legal challenges. The registration of property transactions is governed by the Registration Act, 1908, which aims to provide a public record of property ownership and prevent fraud. Economic Offences Wings (EOWs) are specialized units within state police forces that investigate financial crimes and economic offenses. Their mandate includes investigating cases of fraud, embezzlement, and other financial irregularities. The powers and jurisdiction of EOWs are defined by state laws and regulations. They play a critical role in upholding economic integrity and preventing financial crimes that can undermine the economy and public trust.

Latest Developments

Recent years have seen increased scrutiny of land deals and property transactions, particularly those involving government-owned land. The focus is on ensuring transparency and preventing irregularities. Several states have implemented measures to digitize land records and streamline the process of property registration. This is aimed at reducing the scope for fraud and corruption. The Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 1988, has been strengthened to curb benami transactions, where property is held in the name of someone other than the real owner. The role of investigative agencies like the EOW has become increasingly important in uncovering financial crimes related to land deals. These agencies are often tasked with investigating complex transactions involving multiple parties and layers of ownership. The use of technology and data analytics is becoming more prevalent in these investigations. This helps in identifying patterns and connections that might not be apparent through traditional investigative methods. The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, is also frequently invoked in cases involving illegal land deals, as it allows for the tracing and seizure of assets acquired through criminal activity. Looking ahead, there is a growing emphasis on promoting good governance and ethical practices in land administration. This includes strengthening regulatory frameworks, enhancing transparency, and promoting public awareness. The goal is to create a system that is fair, efficient, and resistant to corruption. The use of technology, such as blockchain, is being explored as a potential tool for enhancing transparency and security in land transactions. This could help in preventing fraud and ensuring that land ownership records are accurate and up-to-date.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key facts about the Mundhwa land sale case that are important for the UPSC Prelims exam?

For the UPSC Prelims, remember that Shital Tejwani sold government-owned land in Mundhwa, and a firm co-owned by Parth Pawar was involved. The land was allegedly sold for ₹300 crore, while its market value was claimed to be ₹1,800 crore. The EOW filed a chargesheet on January 28, 2026.

Exam Tip

Focus on the key personalities, dates, and amounts involved. Remember the difference between the purported sale value and the alleged market value.

2. What is the role of 'Power of Attorney' in land transactions, as highlighted in the Mundhwa land sale case?

In this case, Shital Tejwani, holding power of attorney for the land in Mundhwa, facilitated its sale. Power of Attorney allows a person to act on behalf of another. This case highlights the importance of verifying the legitimacy and scope of a Power of Attorney before engaging in land transactions to prevent fraud.

3. Why is the Mundhwa land sale case in the news recently?

The Mundhwa land sale case is in the news because the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) filed a chargesheet against Shital Tejwani on January 28, 2026. The chargesheet alleges that she sold government-owned land, and a firm co-owned by Parth Pawar was involved. This has led to scrutiny and allegations of irregularities.

4. What legal aspects related to land ownership and transfer are relevant to this case?

The Transfer of Property Act, 1882, lays down the general principles for transfer of immovable property. However, land being a state subject under the Indian Constitution, each state has its own specific land laws and regulations. These laws often have historical roots in the colonial era.

5. How can the Mundhwa land sale case impact common citizens?

Such cases erode public trust in the system. If government land is illegally sold, it deprives the government of resources that could be used for public welfare. It also highlights the need for transparent land records and efficient regulatory mechanisms to prevent such occurrences.

6. What are the alleged irregularities in the Mundhwa land sale case?

The irregularities include the sale of government-owned land despite the seller knowing its ownership status. There are also allegations of the land being undervalued at ₹300 crore compared to its alleged market value of ₹1,800 crore. The lack of requisite clearances for the sale is another point of concern.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Economic Offences Wing (EOW): 1. EOWs are specialized units within state police forces that investigate financial crimes. 2. The powers and jurisdiction of EOWs are uniformly defined by a central law across all states. 3. EOWs primarily investigate cases related to cybercrime and intellectual property rights. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 only
  • B.2 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: EOWs are indeed specialized units within state police forces that investigate financial crimes and economic offenses. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The powers and jurisdiction of EOWs are defined by state laws and regulations, not a uniform central law. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: EOWs primarily investigate financial crimes like fraud and embezzlement, not cybercrime or intellectual property rights (which are handled by other specialized units).

2. In the context of property transactions, what is the primary function of a 'power of attorney'?

  • A.To transfer ownership of the property to the attorney
  • B.To allow the attorney to act as an agent on behalf of the property owner
  • C.To guarantee the attorney a share in the property's future profits
  • D.To grant the attorney absolute control over the property, including the right to sell it for personal gain
Show Answer

Answer: B

A power of attorney allows an individual (the principal) to delegate their authority to another person (the attorney) to act on their behalf. It does NOT transfer ownership (A), guarantee profits (C), or grant absolute control for personal gain (D). The attorney acts as an agent, following the principal's instructions.

3. Which of the following Acts primarily aims to provide a public record of property ownership and prevent fraud in property transactions?

  • A.The Transfer of Property Act, 1882
  • B.The Registration Act, 1908
  • C.The Indian Contract Act, 1872
  • D.The Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 1988
Show Answer

Answer: B

The Registration Act, 1908, aims to provide a public record of property ownership and prevent fraud by requiring the registration of property transactions. The Transfer of Property Act, 1882, deals with the principles of property transfer. The Indian Contract Act, 1872, deals with contracts. The Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 1988, aims to curb benami transactions.

4. Consider the following statements regarding the sale of the Mundhwa land mentioned in the news: 1. Shital Tejwani sold the land despite knowing it was government property. 2. The land was sold to Amadea Enterprises, co-owned by Parth Pawar. 3. The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) valued the land at ₹1,800 crore. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The news explicitly states that Shital Tejwani sold the land knowing it was government property. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The land was sold to Amadea Enterprises, which was co-owned by Parth Pawar. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The news mentions that opposition leaders alleged the market value was ₹1,800 crore, not the EOW.

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