Maharashtra Government to Announce Special Investigation Team for Nashik Land Scam
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule declared on Saturday that the state government will soon establish a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to thoroughly investigate allegations of widespread cheating by 197 developers in Nashik. The SIT will include one IPS officer and two IAS officers, tasked with probing how these developers allegedly circumvented mandatory 20% reservation requirements for economically weaker sections.
Systematic Evasion of EWS Reservation Rules
According to Bawankule, numerous builders, developers, and government officials colluded in an elaborate scheme to illegally divide large land holdings into smaller parcels. This manipulation ensured that the total development area remained below 4,000 square meters, thereby avoiding the compulsory 20% reservation for economically weaker sections (EWS).
"After evaluating the seriousness of the case, it is clear that builders, developers and government officials worked together to manipulate land records," Bawankule stated emphatically. "An SIT comprising IPS and IAS officers will be announced soon, and no one involved will be spared."
Formal Complaint and Investigation Details
The Sarkarwada police station registered a First Information Report (FIR) on March 7 against 104 landlords and 93 builders and developers. The charges include cheating, creating false documents, and committing forgery in connection with the land manipulation scheme.
Under Maharashtra's EWS provisions, housing reserved through such development projects must be allocated to people from lower income groups through the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada). Bawankule revealed that the scam originated within the land records department before expanding to involve officials from both Mhada and the Nashik Municipal Corporation.
"Investigations have revealed that land parcels were split in a single day, when entries were updated, and even layout maps were generated within hours," the minister disclosed, highlighting the systematic nature of the irregularities.
Comprehensive Investigation and Potential ED Involvement
The irregularities first came to light through a committee headed by the additional collector of Nashik, which conducted preliminary investigations before filing a formal complaint. Bawankule emphasized that the investigation would be comprehensive and far-reaching.
"If the SIT outcome warrants further action, the state could refer the case to the Enforcement Directorate to ensure strict punishment for all those involved, including officials and political functionaries irrespective of party affiliation," Bawankule warned, indicating the potential for expanded investigation beyond the initial SIT probe.
Separate Political Development Regarding Baramati Byelection
In a separate political development, Revenue Minister Chandrashekbar Bawankule expressed willingness to hold talks with Congress politicians to ensure the Baramati byelection proceeds unopposed. He referenced the late Ajit Pawar's cordial relationships across political parties and emphasized collective responsibility to support Sunetra Pawar, who is contesting the bypolls from Baramati.
"I have already spoken with Congress politicians Nana Patole and Vijay Wadettiwar, and will request them to reconsider the decision to contest the election," Bawankule added, highlighting ongoing political negotiations separate from the land scam investigation.
