Maharashtra Lawmakers Demand SIT Probe into Mathadi Worker Datta Pawar’s Unexplained Wealth

Mumbai : A storm is brewing in the Maharashtra Legislative Council over the staggering wealth of Dattatray Bhaleghere, also known as Datta Pawar — a Mathadi (head-load) worker from Koliwadi village in Satara’s Jawali taluka — whose rise from daily wage labourer to multi-crore property owner has raised serious concerns.
BJP MLC Pravin Datke brought the matter to light, alleging that Pawar owns luxury vehicles worth ₹10–15 crore and prime real estate in Mumbai estimated at ₹200–300 crore — an implausible fortune for someone with humble beginnings in manual labour. Datke further claimed that Pawar, in collusion with an official named Dinesh Dabhade, extorted large sums from multinational companies by manipulating loopholes in Mathadi board regulations.
Responding to these explosive allegations during the legislative session, the state government announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case. However, controversy persists as Pawar himself has allegedly not yet been named or included in the SIT’s investigation.
Adding to the gravity of the case, a complaint has been registered at Pydhonie police station in Mumbai, accusing Pawar of holding two PAN cards — a violation that carries criminal implications.
Datta Pawar, born into a farming family, once worked as a Mathadi labourer. His rapid rise to immense wealth has drawn criticism and suspicion, with many questioning whether political connections have shielded him from timely scrutiny.
While Maharashtra’s Chief Minister has reportedly assured that a thorough investigation will be conducted, growing public and political pressure is mounting for transparency and accountability. All eyes are now on the SIT and whether it will expand its mandate to include Pawar in its ongoing probe.