NCP MLA Rohit Pawar Faces ED Heat in Maharashtra Cooperative Bank Scam Probe

NCP MLA Rohit Pawar underwent an 11-hour interrogation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank scam. He arrived at the ED office accompanied by NCP MP Supriya Sule and other party leaders. Pawar, who is the grandnephew of NCP supremo Sharad Pawar, is scheduled to appear again for questioning on February 1.

In a significant development, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA Rohit Pawar, the grandnephew of party supremo Sharad Pawar, appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Mumbai on Wednesday for questioning in connection with the alleged Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank scam. The MLA arrived at the ED's office in South Mumbai around 10:30 am, accompanied by NCP MP Supriya Sule and other party leaders.

Pawar Cooperates with ED, Summoned Again on February 1

After more than 11 hours of questioning, Rohit Pawar emerged from the ED office around 10 pm and spoke to reporters. He confirmed that he had cooperated fully with the investigation and would continue to do so. The MLA also revealed that the ED had called him again for questioning on February 1.

Show of Support from NCP Leaders and Workers

Throughout the day, hundreds of NCP workers from across the state gathered at the party office in South Mumbai to express their support for Rohit Pawar. They raised slogans in his favor and staged a protest against the ED's actions. NCP MP Supriya Sule was present when Pawar stepped out of the ED office and greeted the party workers.

Pawar's Veiled Dig at Uncle Ajit Pawar

In a veiled dig at his uncle and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Rohit Pawar remarked that some people ran away to be in power. He contrasted this with Sharad Pawar's fight for the self-respect of the state and Marathi people.

Background of the Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank Scam

The Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank money laundering case stems from an August 2019 FIR filed by the Mumbai Police's Economic Offenses Wing. The ED conducted searches on January 5 at the premises of Baramati Agro, a company owned by Rohit Pawar, and some linked entities in Baramati, Pune, Aurangabad, and other locations.

Investigation into Alleged Fraudulent Sale of Sugar Factories

The case was initiated after the Bombay High Court issued an order to investigate allegations of the sale of sugar factories in the Maharashtra cooperative sector through allegedly fraudulent means and at throwaway prices. The ED is investigating the financial transactions and irregularities related to these sales.

Rohit Pawar's Commitment to Cooperation

Before entering the ED office, Rohit Pawar had expressed his willingness to cooperate with the investigation. He stated that he would provide any documents or information requested by the ED to assist in the probe.

The appearance of NCP MLA Rohit Pawar before the ED in the Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank scam probe has garnered significant attention. The investigation into the alleged irregularities in the sale of sugar factories is ongoing, and further developments are expected in the coming weeks.