PUNE: Deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar has hinted at an investigation into the allegations about irregularities in the TDR (transfer of development rights) deal for the development of reserved land in the Wakad area of Pimpri Chinchwad.
Leader of the opposition in the state assembly Vijay Wadettiwar had during the winter session of the house had accused officials of the municipal corporation of violating the rules while giving TDR to the builder while approving a proposal to develop a land in Wakad reserved for PMPML depot and truck terminus parking. He alleged that the builder was given a benefit of Rs 681 crore in the deal due to alleged corruption.
Pawar said he had checked the documents about the deal with several retired officers and they expressed scope of doubt for irregularities. “I took details from the municipal commissioner about this matter. I had asked for papers related to it. Later, I also spoke to the secretary of the urban development department on the issue,” he said.
“I have also shown these documents to some of the retired officers in my contact. Around five to six officers I spoke with have said that even though the municipal commissioner is saying he is right, there is a scope for doubt (for irregularities) in it.” he said.
The deputy CM said the state government had the right to cancel the controversial deal if any irregularities were found during the investigation. “I was busy in the assembly session in Nagpur and could not take the matter further. However, once I reach Mumbai I will discuss it with the officials concerned in detail. A huge TDR has been given as per allegations. Everything will be verified. If there are irregularities, the deal will be stopped. If there’s no irregularity, there is no reason to stop the deal” he said.
Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh told TOI, “There are a few issues that have been raised with us as well. We are trying to analyze it. We feel that we have done it within the guidelines and framework of UDCPR. We are also trying to analyze and see if something inadvertently crept in which can be reversed or should be reversed. This is what the deputy chief minister also said. He said if there are no issues, we can go ahead with it (the deal).”
