Mumbai: In a relief for NCP leader and former state minister Eknath Khadse and his wife Mandakini, a special court on Friday cancelled the non-bailable warrants (NBW) previously issued against them. The warrants were rescinded after the couple appeared in person and cited a Bombay high court stay on the proceedings. The proceedings took place before special judge Mahesh Jadhav at the city’s designated court for MPs and MLAs. The case, initiated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), pertains to alleged irregularities in a 2016 land deal in Bhosari, Pune. Last week, the court had issued the NBWs after the Khadses failed to appear for the framing of charges. On Friday, the couple appeared suo moto and submitted medical documents to explain their prior absence. While the judge cancelled the warrants, both were directed to pay Rs 500 each. The defence team, led by advocate Ashish Vernekar, presented an order from the Bombay high court. The Khadses had moved the HC earlier. The HC has directed the special court to defer the hearing until February 24. The warrants were issued in two separate cases — the Anti-Corruption Bureau’s corruption case and the related money laundering case. Both are being tried by the same court. The Khadses and their son-in-law Girish Chaudhari are accused in a case relating to the alleged misuse of official position to purchase land in Bhosari, which was already acquired by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation.
