WARNING SHOTS

Central agencies target key members of the ruling alliance in Maharashtra in what is seen as a political message to anti-BJP forces

- DNYANESH JATHAR

On June 24, the Maharashtra unit of the BJP passed a resolution at its executive meeting, seeking a probe by Central agencies against Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Transport Minister Anil Parab in connection with corruption and extortion charges levelled against them by dismissed police officer Sachin Vaze. A week later, the Enforcement Directorate attached the properties of Jarandeshwar Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana (SSK), a cooperative sugar factory in Satara district, now run by a company said to be related to Pawar and his wife, Sunetra.

Although the ED’s action against Pawar came in a different case, its timing took everyone— even some BJP leaders—by surprise. But no one missed the political significance of the action. The properties of Jarandeshwar SSK, including its land, building, plant and machinery worth ₹65.75 crore was attached under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering act. The assets are currently owned by a company called Guru Commodity Services Private Limited, which has leased them to Jarandeshwar Sugar Mills Private Limited. According to the ED, Sparkling Soil Private Limited, a company related to Pawar and his wife, is the majority shareholder of Jarandeshwar Sugar Mills Private Limited.