A Mumbai magistrate court has officially closed the Jogeshwari land case involving Shiv Sena leader Ravindra Waikar, his wife Manisha, and four associates. The decision came after the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police submitted a closure report, which was accepted by the court on Thursday. The case, centered on allegations of land misuse for commercial purposes, has now been classified as a C-summary case, indicating that it stemmed from factual errors.
Allegations
The case focused on a plot in Jogeshwari leased by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to Supremo Club for recreational and sporting purposes. It was alleged that permissions were later obtained in 2021 to construct a luxury hotel on the land, violating a 2004 tripartite agreement. The agreement had stipulated that 67% of the plot would remain for public use, while the rest could be developed under strict regulations. Critics claimed that converting the land's use amounted to a misuse of public property and a breach of trust.
Political Developments
The BMC initially filed the complaint that led to an FIR by the EOW in September 2023. However, in February 2024, the BMC informed the Supreme Court that it was reconsidering its position. This came during Waikar’s appeal against a Bombay High Court ruling that upheld the cancellation of permissions for the hotel. The High Court had previously accused Waikar of withholding crucial information about the project. However, the BMC later clarified that there was no evidence of land misuse or undue benefits gained, leading the EOW to conclude that the complaint was based on incomplete information.
Simultaneously, Waikar’s political journey added another layer to the case. In June 2023, he joined the Eknath Shinde faction and narrowly won the Mumbai North West parliamentary seat by just 48 votes. The timing of the closure report coincided with his electoral success, raising questions about the intersection of politics and legal proceedings.
ED Investigation
Although the EOW case has been closed, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is continuing its investigation into potential financial irregularities. The ED is probing allegations of money laundering tied to the permissions obtained for the hotel’s construction. The agency is also examining whether the project involved any violations of financial norms or agreements with the BMC. With the court’s acceptance of the EOW closure report, the Jogeshwari land case has reached its conclusion. However, the ED’s ongoing investigation keeps the spotlight on Waikar and his associates. The case underscores the complexities of balancing political ambitions with legal scrutiny, particularly in matters involving public resources and accountability.
Share
Tweet
