On Wednesday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) questioned the NCP MLA Rohit Pawar for over 10 hours regarding the money laundering case in connection with the Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank (MSCB) scam. However, the ED had summoned him for February 1, while his supporters shouted slogans.
ED questioning Rohit Pawar
Based on the ongoing legal proceedings and the presumption of innocence, the probe agency might have questioned Pawar about the specific financial transactions between Baramati Agro and other entities allegedly involved in the MSCB scam. They might have asked about Baramati Agro’s business dealings with companies or individuals to the scam or probed about Pawar’s knowledge of any illegal activities related to the bank scam.
Moreover, the ED might also have asked about Pawar’s role, intentions and motives behind any actions or relevant decisions to the investigation, along with the general questions on the MSCB scam. Besides, after the completion of the long questioning hours of ED, Pawar came out and addressed his supporters.
Rohit Pawar Address his supporters
Mr Rohit feels he answered all the questions convincingly and believes he has nothing to hide while speaking to the news agency PTI. He said, “I have fully cooperated with ED and answered all their questions truthfully. I maintain my innocence and I am confident that the truth will prevail soon.”
Moreover, while coming out of the party office, he addressed his supporters and thanked them for standing for him in these difficult times. He also criticised the investigation stating it as ‘politically motivated’ that is against him and his family, as he is being targeted for his political affiliation. Along with this, his supporters also criticised the ED’s action.
NCP criticised the ED
The NCP accused the ED of being a tool of the ruling central party and using the investigation against Pawar for political gain. They point out Pawar’s cooperation with the investigation and questions on the lengthy questioning session, where there was no substantial evidence, calling it harassment and intimidation.
However, the party is likely to prove innocence and expressed confidence in his ability to clear his name. They also emphasize on Pawar’s political standing and reputation as a respected leader to paint a picture of him being wonderfully targeted by the central agency.
Political Impact
The ED’s long interrogation of Rohit Pawar is called as a political hunt by the ruling BJP. They called this an attempt to silence dissent and target the prominent opposition leaders. Also, this might add fuel to Maharashtra’s simmering political pot as the assembly election is looming.
Furthermore, if the political impact of the ED questioning hinges on the investigation’s outcome. If the charges filed against Pawar are substantiated in court, then NCP could face a setback. But, if he clears, the BJP could face accusations of misuse of power.
Political Hunt by BJP?
The NCP was called a ‘political hunt’ by the BJP due to the timing of questioning on the NCP MLA, which is right before the election in Maharashtra. Additionally, the selective targeting of the opposition is raising concerns about fairness, and bias. Overall, the investigation is ongoing, only time will decide whether the evidence or the allegations against Mr Rohit are right or not.
