According to media reports, a special court in Mumbai has taken cognisance of a charge sheet filed by the ED charging that assets of a sugar cooperative were acquired by close associates of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar for a song.
This is a money laundering case involving the Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank (MSCB).
After going through the charge sheet, the court has said “It demonstrates a classic example of generation of proceeds of crime from criminal activity” and it constitutes an offence under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Sources say the development is significant as it is likely to imperil Ajit Pawar’s political fortunes at this time when he has changed sides and is trying to strike a new political course.