Pune: Social activist Anjali Damania has leveled serious allegations against Rajendra Ghanwat, a close associate of NCP leader Dhananjay Munde, accusing him of land grabbing and intimidation of farmers in Pune district.
During a press conference, Damania accused Ghanwat and his associate Popat Ghanwat of forcibly seizing land from 11 farmers. She claimed that the farmers were pressured to sell their land at extremely low prices and that those who resisted had false criminal cases filed against them.
Damania further alleged that Jagmaitra Sugar Company, where Rajendra Popat Ghanwat is a director alongside Dhananjay Munde, was used to acquire land through coercion. Many transactions were registered under the name of Sanjay alias Anand through sworn affidavits, raising suspicions of fraudulent practices.
Farmers Speak Out
Several affected farmers shared their ordeals during the press conference. One female farmer collapsed while narrating her plight, while others revealed that they had been fighting for justice since 2008. One farmer claimed that his father suffered a heart attack due to threats from Ghanwat, while another woman alleged that her husband died due to Ghanwat’s harassment.
According to the farmers, Ghanwat operates through a network of enforcers, creating an atmosphere of fear where victims are too afraid to speak out.
Political Connections and Police Involvement
Damania alleged that Dhananjay Munde, Rajendra Ghanwat, and local police officials are working in collusion. She claimed that nine farmers were falsely implicated in criminal cases after Munde made a phone call instructing action against them. Additionally, some land transactions were allegedly conducted using the names of deceased individuals.
Call for Government Intervention
Damania announced that she would submit all evidence to Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule and demanded:
A thorough investigation into Ghanwat and his network
Legal action against those involved in land grabbing
A re-examination of the B-Summary reports
The return of seized land to the affected farmers