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

NCP MLA Rohit Pawar underwent an extensive 11-hour interrogation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding the Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank scam. He is expected to appear again on February 1 for further questioning.

Mumbai, January 24: 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 Leaves ED Office After 11 Hours

After more than 11 hours of questioning, Rohit Pawar left the ED office around 10 pm and headed for the party office. He informed reporters that he has been summoned again for questioning on February 1.

Pawar Visits NCP Office and Pays Respects

Before appearing before the ED, Rohit Pawar visited the NCP offices located nearby and met with Sharad Pawar. He touched his feet and interacted with other party leaders. He also visited the Vidhan Bhavan and paid tributes at the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and a plaque of the Indian Constitution.

Sule Hands Over Copy of Constitution

Before entering the ED office, Supriya Sule handed Rohit Pawar a copy of the Indian Constitution. She hugged him, and he touched her feet before proceeding inside.

NCP Workers Stage Protest

Hundreds of NCP workers from across the state gathered at the party office in South Mumbai to show their support for Rohit Pawar. They raised slogans in his favor and staged a protest against the ED.

Pawar Assures Cooperation

While entering the NCP office, Rohit Pawar assured reporters that he had cooperated with the agencies earlier in the probe and would continue to do so in the future. He stated that he would provide any information requested by the officers.

Background of the Case

The Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank money laundering case stems from an August 2019 FIR filed by the Mumbai Police's Economic Offences 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.

Case Originated from Bombay High Court Order

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 fraudulent means and at throwaway prices.

Rohit Pawar's appearance before the ED in the Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank scam probe has garnered significant attention. The NCP MLA has assured cooperation with the investigation, and the case is expected to unfold further in the coming days.