Eknath Khadse MIDC land deal: Dinkar Zoting commission completes probe

The one-man commission was appointed on June 23, 2016 by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis

The Dinkar Zoting Commission, which was investigating the allegations levelled against former state revenue minister Eknath Khadse in the land grabbing case, concluded its probe on Wednesday. The single-member inquiry committee of Justice (Retd) Dinkar Zoting will soon submit its report to the government.

Former Maharashtra revenue minister Eknath Khadse is accused of buying a three-acre plot “reserved” for Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) in Bhosari, near Pune. (HT FILE)

Also, since the commission’s tenure expired on March 31, it could not hear the matter any further.

Khadse is accused of buying a three-acre plot “reserved” for Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) in Bhosari, near Pune allegedly at less than one-sixth of its market value from the original owner Abbas Ukani.

Khadse’s counsel MG Bhangde contended that his client did not violate any rule and that since he was not the industry minister then, the question of misuse of power does not arise.

On the other hand, MIDC counsel Chandrashekhar Jaltare said Khadse’s role in the scam was evident as he had said that since Ukani did not receive any compensation he had every right to sell the property.

After completing his arguments, Khadse changed his stand and claimed he did not know anything in the case. “Khadse had convened a meeting on February 23, 2016. On March 28, 2016, Khadse’s wife and son-in-law, who lives abroad, went to Kolkata and drafted an agreement for the land and Rs50 lakh was paid in advance. On April 12, Khadse again held a meeting of officials for the land. The sale deed was executed on April 28, 2016. It’s unbelievable that Khadse did not know any of this,” Jaltare argued.