Pune: The controversial land purchase deal involving the Jain Boarding House property in Pune has been officially cancelled by Gokhale Builders. According to reports, developer Vishal Gokhale has informed the Jain Boarding Trust about the cancellation via email.
The land transaction had recently sparked a major political controversy, with Shiv Sena leader and MLA Ravindra Dhangekar accusing Union Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol of being involved in the deal. Mohol, however, had denied any connection to the transaction.
Vishal Gokhale confirmed that he decided to withdraw from the land purchase on moral grounds, emphasizing that the company never intended to hurt the sentiments of the Jain community.
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Former MLA Ravindra Dhangekar and Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana leader Raju Shetti had taken a strong stand against the deal, demanding that it be cancelled. Following the controversy, Minister Murlidhar Mohol met Jain monks and assured them of his support, though the meeting saw protests from a section of the Jain community.
After sustained opposition, Raju Shetti had publicly appealed to Gokhale Builders to terminate the agreement. The company has now reportedly informed Shetti about the cancellation as well. It is expected that Gokhale Builders will soon submit a formal application to officially terminate the land purchase agreement
Several Jain organizations held a large meeting at the boarding premises on Friday. After the meeting, Jain spiritual leader Acharya Guptinand Maharaj warned that if the land sale deal was not cancelled by November 1, community members would launch a hunger strike.
Former MP Raju Shetti, commenting on the development, said, “The trustees’ decision to sell the 3.5-acre land belonging to the Jain Boarding in Model Colony was wrong and illegal. We have been fighting against this for several days. Today, representatives from more than 86 Jain organizations across the country met to demand that the trustees cancel the sale and that Gokhale Builders withdraw from the purchase.”
He added, “After today’s meeting, Gokhale Builders accepted our request and formally emailed the HND Trust to cancel the transaction. They have also asked the trust to return the ₹230 crore they had paid.”
Raju Shetti further stated, “Right now, the property is still in Gokhale Builders’ name. Our fight will continue until the land is officially restored to the HND Trust and the Jain Boarding resumes its original functioning.”
