In her memoir titled 'Madam Commissioner,' former Pune Police Commissioner Meeran Chadha Borwankar made some startling claims concerning the auctioning of a three-acre land in Pune's Yerawada, which originally belonged to the police. This controversial land sale took place in 2010 and had significant ramifications.
According to Borwankar's account, this land was auctioned off to a bidder who later became embroiled in the 2G scam, a case investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). In her book, Borwankar unveiled the sequence of events and the challenges she faced regarding this land transaction.
The pivotal decision to sell this land to a private party was attributed to the then Pune District Guardian Minister, who, as detailed in the memoir, ultimately sanctioned this sale. However, Borwankar's narrative portrays her unwavering determination and resilience in reclaiming this land after an arduous struggle.
In her memoir, she candidly discusses her amicable relationship with then Maharashtra Home Minister RR Patil, who, despite his goodwill and intentions, was unable to prevent the auction due to certain constraints.
Moreover, Borwankar raises serious concerns about the entire transaction, deeming it detrimental to the police department and asserting that it involved a palpable scam. Her narrative alludes to the possibility of substantial kickbacks going to politicians and bureaucrats, casting a shadow of suspicion over the entire affair.
In her book, Borwankar also shares a poignant quote from a police officer expressing reluctance to oppose the influential figures involved, underscoring the daunting challenges she faced in her fight to rectify the situation.
When summoned by Ajit Pawar, whom she refers to as 'district minister' or 'Dada' in the book, to hand over the land, she steadfastly refused, convinced that it was essential for police use and housing for police personnel. She further emphasized that Yerawada had evolved into the heart of Pune, making this land invaluable for future police facilities.
This disagreement eventually led to a legal battle, with the highest bidder taking the matter to the Bombay High Court. The bidder was described as part of a 'cartel,' and Borwankar asserted that the bid amount was significantly below the market price. Moreover, she pointed out that the highest bidder had faced charges in the 2G scam.
Throughout the court proceedings, a stark contrast emerged between the stance of the Maharashtra Home Department, which did not oppose the deal, and the police department, which strongly objected to it.
Borwankar's memoir also delves into the aftermath of the dispute, noting that when riots erupted in Pune's Bibwewadi area, the district minister took the opportunity to publicly voice his concerns about her position as police commissioner.
Lastly, the book reveals Borwankar's aspirations to attain the additional director general post at CID Pune in June 2012, based on her qualifications. However, she received a call from the Chief Minister, who denied her the post, citing "prestige" as the reason.
It is important to note that Ajit Pawar's office has vehemently denied the allegations made in Borwankar's book, underlining that he was not involved in the matter. These claims raise critical questions about the events described and the possible implications of the land auction, underscoring the need for a thorough investigation.
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