Pune: Revenue Minister Bawankule Vows Strict Action Against Land Acquisition Leaks

Pune, 12th May 2026: Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has issued a strong warning that strict action, including the filing of criminal cases, will be initiated against government officials found guilty of leaking confidential information related to land acquisition for government projects.

Speaking to reporters in Pune, Bawankule emphasized that the government has noticed instances where traders and private individuals have allegedly received insider information about upcoming land acquisition projects from officials. This information has allowed them to carry out land transactions before the official acquisition process began.

There is generally a restriction on the purchase and sale of land for at least one year prior to acquisition for government projects. However, despite this rule, some individuals have allegedly bought land in advance after obtaining insider information from officials. This practice not only undermines the integrity of the land acquisition process but also leads to unfair financial gains for a few at the expense of the public.

The minister stated that the government has launched a detailed investigation into such transactions. The investigation will use various tools and methods, including Google Maps, land registration records from the past year, and other technical evidence, to identify and scrutinize suspicious cases.

Bawankule also highlighted a concerning trend where traders have planted trees on land marked for acquisition to claim higher compensation. He clarified that compensation for trees would only be granted if farmers had planted them at least one year before the acquisition process started. This measure is intended to prevent fraudulent claims and ensure that the compensation process is fair and transparent.

The minister assured the public that all suspicious cases from the past year would be thoroughly examined, and action would be taken against those found involved. The government is also working to bring greater transparency to the land acquisition process, aiming to restore public trust and ensure that the process is conducted with the highest level of integrity.

In conclusion, Bawankule’s announcement sends a clear message that the government is committed to maintaining the integrity of the land acquisition process and will not tolerate any form of misconduct or corruption. The measures being taken are expected to deter potential wrongdoers and ensure that land acquisition projects proceed smoothly and fairly.