A prime plot of land worth ₹150 crore in Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad) has been registered in the name of Javed Rasool Sheikh, a long-time driver of Member of Parliament Sandipanrao Bhumare and his MLA son, Vilas Bhumare. The land, located in the upscale Dawoodpura area on Jalna Road, has been transferred to Sheikh as a “gift deed.”
The property, once owned by the prestigious Salar Jung family—who historically served as Prime Ministers to the Nizam of Hyderabad—has brought renewed attention to the family’s vast holdings and political connections. The legitimacy and intent of this high-value land transfer have been called into question, prompting a formal investigation by the Economic Offences Wing of the Maharashtra Police.
What makes the deal particularly contentious is the absence of any apparent business or familial connection between the Salar Jung family and Sheikh, aside from his own claim of a “good relationship” with the family.
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Driver Claims Innocence, Says Gift Was Out of Affection
Javed Rasool Sheikh, who has been driving for the Bhumare family for 13 years, defended the transaction in statements to the press and the police. “I have a very cordial relationship with the Salar Jung family, and they gifted me the land voluntarily,” he claimed. He also asserted that he is cooperating fully with the authorities.
Despite his explanation, the sheer scale of the gift has raised eyebrows. Legal experts and political observers question how such a valuable asset in a prime location could be transferred without a clear financial or familial rationale. The transfer was brought to light after a lawyer from Parbhani filed a complaint, questioning the motive behind the land deed and demanding an investigation into possible financial misconduct or benami transactions.
Commissioner of Police Praveen Pawar confirmed that summons have been issued to Javed Rasool, and members of the Salar Jung family—including Mir Mazhar Ali Khan and six others—are being contacted for clarity on the transfer.
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The matter has also taken on political dimensions, as the driver is closely associated with Sandipanrao Bhumare and his son Vilas Bhumare, who is a sitting MLA. The involvement of the Economic Offences Wing has prompted scrutiny of the MP’s family.
Reacting to the controversy, Vilas Bhumare expressed frustration over the matter being linked to him and his father. “The driver works with us, but that doesn’t mean we know everything he does in his personal life. The police are unnecessarily dragging our names into this,” he said, adding that even he has been questioned by the EOW team.
He emphasized that the transaction, although involving someone employed by the family, is independent of their knowledge or influence. However, questions remain regarding the potential influence or political power dynamics that may have played a role in such a transaction involving land once owned by an elite royal lineage.
The case continues to evolve as investigators delve into financial records, historical ownership details, and the real relationship between Sheikh and the Salar Jung family. With a combination of heritage wealth, high-value property, and political ties, the outcome of this probe could have significant legal and political ramifications.