In a significant political escalation, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has levelled serious allegations against NCP MLA Sunil Shelke, a close confidant of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, accusing him of illegal mining on government-allotted industrial land and massive royalty evasion. This development adds a new layer of complexity to Maharashtra’s political landscape, especially with the Devendra Fadnavis-led BJP government facing growing pressure over accountability and governance.

In a letter dated June 25, 2025, Raut addressed Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging him to initiate a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the illegal sand and stone mining operations allegedly carried out by Shelke in the Maval constituency, Pune district. According to Raut, Sunil Shelke used land meant for industrial development for large-scale mineral extraction, thereby causing massive losses to the state exchequer.

Misuse of MIDC Land and Massive Royalty Evasion

Raut’s accusations stem from the alleged misuse of over 29 hectares of land acquired by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) under Section 6 of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Act. These lands were specifically meant to promote industrial development in the Maval region. However, instead of creating industries or job opportunities, Shelke is accused of using the land for illegal sand and stone mining, an activity that violates the intended purpose of the land allocation.

According to Raut’s detailed letter, Shelke, along with his relatives, extracted minerals from multiple plots falling under various survey numbers, without paying the statutory royalty owed to the government. This has allegedly led to a royalty scam worth thousands of crores, severely impacting the Maharashtra state exchequer.

Damage to Local Infrastructure and Public Inconvenience

Sanjay Raut also highlighted that Shelke’s activities have damaged rural infrastructure, especially village roads, and caused severe inconvenience to local villagers. Raut questioned the lack of administrative action despite repeated public complaints and media reports regarding the issue. According to Raut, these illegal activities have been allowed to continue due to the deliberate negligence of local officials, including officers from MIDC and the district administration.

He expressed concern over the message this situation sends to honest landowners and farmers, whose lands are acquired by the government under the promise of public benefit, but are instead being exploited for personal profit by politically powerful individuals.

Political Implications and Accountability Questions

This accusation comes at a time when the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction is already facing scrutiny over its alliances and internal conflicts. Sunil Shelke, who represents Maval, has long been seen as close to Ajit Pawar, and these allegations, if substantiated, could severely damage the credibility of the party's development promises in the region.

Raut did not mince words in his demand for justice. He wrote that if the state government fails to act swiftly, it would undermine public trust in governance, especially in matters of land acquisition and resource management. He further added that the royalty evasion scam is not just an isolated incident but could be indicative of a broader nexus between politicians and local authorities.

Raut’s Call for SIT Probe and Royalty Recovery

In his letter, Raut demanded a high-level probe, preferably by a Special Investigation Team (SIT), to uncover the extent of the illegal mining operations, the quantities extracted, the royalty evaded, and to identify those who facilitated or ignored these activities. He also urged that the evaded royalty be recovered immediately to compensate for the losses incurred by the state.

This is not the first time Sanjay Raut has taken on rival political leaders. Known for his outspoken and aggressive style, Raut has consistently targeted the ruling establishment on issues ranging from administrative corruption to land misappropriation. This latest salvo further highlights his role as a watchdog within the opposition, willing to bring powerful figures under public scrutiny.

MIDC and District Officials Under the Scanner

The role of MIDC officers and district administrators in this alleged scam has also come under question. Raut’s letter suggests that officials either turned a blind eye or were complicit, enabling Shelke and his associates to operate illegal mining businesses without consequence. If these claims are verified, it could lead to widespread administrative reshuffles or even criminal charges against those responsible.

The MIDC has yet to issue an official response, but sources suggest that a preliminary inquiry may already be underway following Raut’s public revelations. The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) has not commented so far, but pressure is mounting on Fadnavis to act swiftly, especially given the scale of the financial and environmental damage described in the complaint.

Broader Context: Political Corruption and Land Misuse

This case also fits into a wider narrative of political misuse of public land in Maharashtra. With multiple instances of industrial plots being repurposed for mining or real estate, concerns are growing about the efficacy of land regulation frameworks in the state. Political analysts point out that this incident, if ignored, will set a dangerous precedent where political influence overrides the rule of law, further discouraging investment and public faith in the system.

Conclusion

The allegations made by Shiv Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut against NCP MLA Sunil Shelke bring to light a potential mining scam of massive proportions, involving industrial land misuse, royalty evasion, and administrative negligence. With the state exchequer reportedly losing thousands of crores, and local communities suffering environmental and infrastructure damage, the need for a comprehensive and transparent investigation is urgent.

As the Maharashtra political corruption debate gains momentum, all eyes are now on Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. Whether they choose to initiate a high-level SIT probe or attempt to manage the fallout politically will significantly influence the public's trust in governance and accountability in resource management in the state.

The unfolding controversy is not just about one MLA or one political party—it is about the integrity of Maharashtra’s administrative institutions, and the urgency of holding those in power accountable for their actions.

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