In a recent development, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has submitted a closure report exonerating Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and more than 70 others of any wrongdoing.
Previously, in October 2020, a closure report was filed during Maha Vikas Aghadi’s tenure, but in October 2022, the EOW expressed its intent to resume the investigation.
Special Public Prosecutor Ajay Misar informed the court on January 20 that, after careful consideration of evidence and protest petitions, no significant findings were uncovered, leading to the closure report.
The court is now tasked with deciding whether to accept the report or instruct the agency to continue the investigation and file a chargesheet.
The case originated from Bombay High Court directives examining alleged irregularities in the sale of sugar cooperatives, including Jarandeshwar Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana, reportedly linked to Pawar’s relatives.