Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) MLA Rohit Pawar appeared before a special court in Mumbai on Thursday in connection with the alleged Maharashtra State Co-operative Bank (MSCB) scam case.
Pawar, who represents the Karjat-Jamkhed assembly seat in Ahilyanagar district, complied with the summons issued last month after the court took cognisance of a fresh chargesheet against him. Special Judge for MPs/MLAs cases Satyanarayan Navander had earlier noted that prima facie Pawar appeared to have “knowingly participated in this fraudulent acquisition.”
On his appearance, the court did not impose any conditions, taking into account his compliance and reputation, but directed him to execute a personal recognisance (PR) bond, his advocates Dixita Gohil and Pranjal Agarwal said. The next hearing is scheduled for October 8.
Pawar’s Defence
Pawar’s lawyers submitted that the prosecution complaint, or chargesheet, was “bogus” and no case was made out against him. They also told the court that the right to challenge the chargesheet was reserved.
Speaking to reporters outside the court, Pawar reiterated that the allegations were politically motivated and that he would fight the case legally.
Background of the Case
The MSCB money laundering case originated from an August 2019 FIR filed by the Mumbai Police Economic Offences Wing (EOW). The FIR alleged that officers and directors of MSCB fraudulently sold Sahakari Sakhar Karkhanas (SSKs), or cooperative sugar mills, at throwaway prices to relatives and private entities without following due process.
The Enforcement Directorate later launched its probe and, in June 2025, filed a fresh chargesheet against Pawar, his associate Rajendra Ingwale, and his firm Baramati Agro Limited. This was the third chargesheet in the case, which now names 17 accused, including several firms.
Allegations By ED
According to the ED, MSCB took possession of the assets of Kannad SSK Limited in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district on July 13, 2009 under the SARFAESI Act, to recover an outstanding loan of ₹80.56 crore.
The bank later conducted an auction of Kannad SSK on August 30, 2012, allegedly fixing a “very low” reserve price based on a questionable valuation report.
The ED claimed that while three bidders participated, the highest bidder was disqualified on “flimsy grounds.” Another bidder, alleged to be a close associate of Baramati Agro Limited, lacked financial capacity and experience in operating a sugar mill. This, the agency said, enabled Pawar’s firm to acquire the unit under dubious circumstances.
With Pawar now formally appearing before the court, the case will continue with the next hearing on October 8. The outcome will determine whether the allegations of fraudulent acquisition against the NCP legislator and his associates proceed to trial.
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