Sunetra Pawar, the wife of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and NDA candidate for the Baramati Lok Sabha seat, has been given a clean chit by the Mumbai Police in connection with an alleged ₹25,000-crore cooperative bank scam. This development comes ahead of the highly anticipated electoral battle in Baramati, where she will face her sister-in-law and sitting MP Supriya Sule.
The Mumbai Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) filed a closure report in January, stating that no criminal offense is established in the transactions involving Sunetra Pawar and her husband Ajit Pawar linked to the Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank (MSCB) case. The report clears her of any wrongdoing related to loans and the sale of the Jarandeshwar Sugar Mill, a matter previously under scrutiny.
Sunetra Pawar’s exoneration has sparked political debates, with opposition parties alleging a pattern of using investigative agencies selectively. Critics claim that leaders facing accusations are either given a clean chit or face slowed investigations upon aligning with the ruling party. This narrative, termed the “washing machine” by opponents, has gained traction amid ongoing political maneuvering.
The clean chit has drawn criticism from the Shiv Sena, a key player in Maharashtra’s political landscape. Party leaders argue that the swift clearance reinforces their claims of bias in investigations against opposition figures. This sentiment reflects broader concerns about the fairness and independence of law enforcement agencies.
The upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Baramati, scheduled for May 7, will witness a significant contest between Sunetra Pawar and Supriya Sule. The outcome of this electoral battle will be closely watched, given the familial and political dynamics at play.
Sources By Agencies
