Pune: Former Minister Eknath Khadse Seeks Discharge in Bhosari Land Deal Money Laundering Case, Claims Political Vendetta

Mumbai, 27th June 2024: Former minister Eknath Khadse has filed a plea in a special court, seeking discharge from a money laundering case related to a land deal in Bhosari, Pune. Khadse contends that the prosecution against him is a result of political vendetta, making him a scapegoat.

“The applicant states that there is not even a prima facie case which is spelt out in the complaint which can attract the provisions of PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act). The respondent (Enforcement Directorate) has failed to make out a case of dishonest intention or fraudulent transaction,” the plea argued. The court has directed the prosecution to respond to the plea submitted by Khadse’s advocate, Swapnil Ambure, and adjourned the matter to August 1.

Ambure declined to comment on the plea.

Khadse, along with his wife Mandakini and son-in-law Girish Chaudhari, is accused of land grabbing and causing a loss of Rs 761.25 crore to the government by fraudulently entering into a sale deed. “It was merely a sale transaction entered by two private individuals. Hence, no offence whatsoever is made out, much less an offence under the Prevention of Corruption Act,” the plea stated.

The case, which has drawn significant public and media attention, now awaits the prosecution’s response and further court proceedings in August.