CM Shinde Eknath Orders Probe into Agarwal Family’s Alleged Land Usurpation in Mahabaleshwar Amid Pune Porsche Incident

Mahabaleshwar, May 31, 2024: The revelations surrounding the Agarwal family, linked to the minor involved in Pune’s Kalyani Nagar Porsche incident, continue to unfold. Accusations have emerged alleging their encroachment onto the board of trustees of the Parsi Gymkhana in Mahabaleshwar, a property situated on government land. It is claimed that they have unlawfully seized the premises, subsequently operating a high-end club on the site.

This encroachment came to light following complaints from residents regarding the Agarwals’ activities. Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, currently vacationing in his native village in Satara district, has directed the Satara District Collector to investigate the matter.

The Parsi Gymkhana in Mahabaleshwar was granted a 30-year lease on 4 acres of government land, initially rented during the British era. The terms of the lease, adjusted periodically for inflation, designated the land for residential use, as per a lease board dated March 30, 2015. Allegedly, the minor accused’s grandparents, Surendra Kumar Agarwal and Usha Agarwal infiltrated the board of trustees, ousting legitimate trustees and installing other Agarwal family members in their place. Portions of the property are purportedly being utilized for commercial purposes, operating under the name MPG Club, in violation of regulations.

In April, social activist Abhay Havaldar lodged complaints with various authorities upon discovering the unauthorized conversion of the land for commercial use. The spotlight on the Agarwal family intensified following the Pune accident, prompting a revisit of the Mahabaleshwar land usurpation case.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, responding to queries from reporters, instructed the District Collector to investigate the unauthorized construction. Satara Collector Jitendra Dudi confirmed that the Mahabaleshwar Municipal Council chairperson has been tasked with probing the complaints and submitting a report promptly. Recent actions include the closure of an unlicensed bar on the gymkhana premises, by the District Collector’s directives.

“The misuse of this property will not be tolerated,” stated Yogesh Patil, Chairperson of Mahabaleshwar Municipal Council, emphasizing adherence to regulations. He assured that all documents related to the ‘MPG Club’ are under scrutiny.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reiterated his stance: “An inquiry has been launched into the unauthorized construction on the Mahabaleshwar land. Regardless of the perpetrator’s influence, be it Agarwal or any other party, I have instructed the district collector to dismantle any illegal structures.”