Shiv Sena MP Sandipan Bhumre on Wednesday strongly refuted allegations made by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve regarding a controversial land “gift” to his driver, and said he would initiate defamation proceedings against him, reported news agency PTI.
Addressing a press conference, Bhumre termed the claims as baseless and misleading, asserting that they were made without proper verification. He also said he would consult legal experts before filing a defamation suit.
Row Over 23-Acre Land Worth Rs 1,150 Crore
The controversy stems from allegations by Danve, who demanded a probe into a 23-acre land parcel in the Jatwada area of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Danve claimed that the land, valued at around Rs 1,150 crore, had been “gifted” through a ‘hibanama’ (gift deed) to Bhumre’s driver, Javed Shaikh, even before the latter was born.
A ‘hibanama’ refers to a legal document under Muslim personal law for transferring property without monetary consideration.
Raising questions over the legitimacy of the transaction, Danve asked how such a deed could have been executed in 1971 when the alleged beneficiary was not yet born, reported PTI.
Bhumre Questions Claims, Seeks Probe
Responding to the allegations, Bhumre said his driver’s birth year is around 1984-85, making it impossible for him to be the recipient of a gift deed dated 1971.
“My driver and I have no knowledge about the original landowner. If my driver was not even born at that time, how could such a transaction take place? This needs to be investigated,” Bhumre said, reported PTI.
He further questioned the authenticity of the land details cited by Danve, claiming that the “gut number” mentioned in the allegations does not exist in the area. “There are only 171 gut numbers in Jatwada. Where did number 174 come from?” he asked, reported PTI.
Calls for Fair Probe, Action Against False Claims
Bhumre demanded a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter, stating that any wrongdoing—if found—should be acted upon, regardless of who is involved.
“If my driver is at fault, action should be taken. But those making false allegations should also face consequences,” he said, reported PTI.
He also questioned the valuation of the land at Rs 1,150 crore, asking on what basis such figures were being quoted.
The issue comes amid earlier scrutiny involving Bhumre’s driver, who was questioned by police in June last year over claims of receiving a separate land parcel in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar allegedly gifted by a member of the Salar Jung family.
The latest exchange has intensified political tensions, with both sides demanding a probe into the matter.
(With inputs from PTI)
