Mumbai Court Acquits NCP Legislator Rohit Pawar in Major Money Laundering Case

In a significant legal development, a special court in Mumbai has acquitted NCP legislator Rohit Pawar and 16 others in a money laundering case associated with the Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank. The case, which involved allegations of substantial financial losses due to undervalued sales of sugar mills, has seen its proceedings effectively concluded following the dismissal of the main offense. The court's decision marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal saga, raising questions about the implications for the accused and the Enforcement Directorate's future actions. Read on for a detailed overview of the case and its outcomes.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 23, 2026, 15:53 IST

Court Ruling Ends Money Laundering Proceedings

On Wednesday, a special court in Mumbai cleared NCP (SP) legislator Rohit Pawar and 16 others of charges related to a money laundering case tied to the Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank (MSCB) sugar mill scam, effectively concluding the proceedings. This case originated from an Enforcement Directorate (ED) ECIR filed in 2019, which was initiated following an FIR lodged by the Mumbai Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) under the Bombay High Court's directives. The allegations pertained to loans granted by MSCB to cooperative sugar mills between 2005 and 2010, which were reportedly sold at significantly lower prices than their actual value, resulting in a staggering loss to the bank estimated between ₹5,000 crore and ₹25,000 crore.

Details of the Charges and Accusations

The ED's charge sheet, filed between 2023 and 2025, included names such as Rohit Pawar, several agricultural and sugar companies, and firms linked to former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The agency alleged that the accused were involved in purchasing the sugar mills at undervalued prices, with their involvement and intentions evident from statements recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Significant Developments in the Case

A pivotal turn occurred when the main offense was dismissed. On February 27, 2026, a Mumbai court accepted the closure report filed by the EOW in 2020 and 2024, effectively closing the FIR and providing relief to all individuals under investigation, including companies associated with Ajit Pawar and his wife, Sunetra Pawar.

Defense Arguments and Court's Decision

In light of these developments, Rohit Pawar and the co-accused sought to have the charges against them dropped, arguing that without a principal offense, further proceedings under the PMLA could not continue. The ED opposed this, asserting that the court could still examine the case based on its merits, arguing that Rohit Pawar, who was not named as an accused in the EOW's FIR, should not automatically benefit from the closure of the FIR.

Final Verdict and Implications

However, the special court accepted the defense's arguments and acquitted all 17 defendants. A detailed order is awaited. With this ruling, the ED's case in the MSCB matter has effectively concluded. The PMLA stated that the application submitted under Exhibit-141 in special case number 472/2023 is approved. The applicant/accused number 9, M/s. Takshashila Securities Pvt. Ltd., is acquitted of offenses under Section 3 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, read with Section 70, and the bail bond of the accused is canceled. Consequently, the application is resolved.