Paratwada case: Bawankule hints at ‘different’ conclusion; warns against religious labelling

Kolhapur: State revenue minister and guardian minister for Amravati district Chandrashekhar Bawankule stated on Friday that the ongoing investigation into the Paratwada exploitation case is nearing a critical juncture. Addressing the media in Kolhapur, he suggested that the final findings regarding the luring and sexual exploitation of young women would lead to a "different" conclusion than currently speculated, though he declined to elaborate further.The case involves luring and sexual exploitation of young women, where acts were allegedly recorded without consent. "I am closely monitoring the SIT investigation as the guardian minister. Eight mobile phones have been seized, and substantial evidence has been gathered. Forensic analysis results are expected within three days, which will clarify the ‘where and how' of these crimes," Bawankule said.The minister also issued a stern appeal against communalising the tragedy. He urged public figures to refrain from identifying the victims by their religion, noting that such statements could jeopardise the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe. "While the investigation is active, no one should make public statements about the religious identity of the victims. Whether it is Pyare Khan or anyone else, there should be no rush to make such claims," he added.According to the SIT, the main accused allegedly lured the women and recorded the acts, while seven other accomplices were found in possession of the videos and responsible for making them viral. The comments follow claims made by Pyare Khan, chairman of the Maharashtra State Minority Commission, regarding the community of the victims.Turning to the upcoming MLC elections for nine seats scheduled for May 12, Bawankule commented on the lack of cohesion within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). He suggested that the ruling alliance might allow an unopposed election for the seat allocated to the opposition, provided the candidate is "acceptable.""There was a consensus over Sharad Pawar's nomination for the Rajya Sabha. We will have to see if the MVA proposes a candidate for the MLC seat who is acceptable to all parties, including those of us in power. If that happens, the nominee may get elected unopposed," Bawankule said.The minister also announced major reforms in the revenue department aimed at bringing services to the doorsteps of citizens within six months. Following the implementation of digital 7/12 extracts, the state govt now intends to make a formal land survey (mojani) compulsory before any land dealings or mutations.To expedite this process, 50 private surveyors have been appointed for each of the 36 districts. "These surveyors have been tasked with ensuring that the mojani is completed within 15 days of an application being filed," Bawankule said.