Pune Mining Scam: Four Tehsildars, 10 Revenue Officials Suspended After 90,000 Brass Illegal Excavation
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune/Nagpur, 12th December 2025: In a major crackdown on illegal minor mineral extraction in Pune district, the state government has suspended 14 revenue officials—including four Tehsildars—after an inquiry confirmed large-scale unauthorized mining in Maval taluka.
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced the action in the Winter Session of the Legislature, calling it a decisive step to curb rampant violations.
According to the ETS (Electronic Total Station) survey, 4.54 lakh brass of minor minerals were excavated from the site, despite permission being granted for only 3.63 lakh brass. The excess 90,000 brass was mined in an area that had been shown as reserved for afforestation in the proposed PMRDA development plan.
MLA Sunil Shelke Flags Irregularities
The matter came to light after MLA Sunil Shelke raised the issue in the Assembly, alleging that the Additional District Collector had supplied misleading information and that officials had avoided taking action for nearly eight months, enabling unauthorized mining to continue.
Findings of the Inquiry
Revenue Minister Bawankule said the Divisional Commissioner conducted two detailed inquiries. Mining leases were originally approved for group numbers 36, 37 and 38, but temporary mining was also carried out illegally in group numbers 35, 41, 42 and 46.
Officials Suspended for Dereliction of Duty
The government has suspended the following officials for malpractice and negligence:
* Tehsildars (4): Jogendra Katiyar, Manjit Desai, Madhusudan Barge, Vikram Deshmukh
* Mandal Officers (4): Sandeep Borkar, Manik Sable, Ajay Sonawane, Ramesh Kadam
* Talathis (2): Deepali Sangar, Gajanan Sotpalliwar
Bawankule said punitive action will follow under the relevant Criminal and Revenue Acts.
Fines and Recovery to Follow
Cases have been registered against those responsible, fines have been imposed and revenue records have been seized. If fines are not paid on time, recovery with interest has been ordered. Seven bills have already been processed for recovery.
Departmental Inquiry Within Three Months
The Revenue Minister assured the House that the departmental inquiry against the suspended officials will be completed within three months, with the report to be tabled in the next session.
Afforestation Zone Clarification
Addressing concerns raised by MLA Shelke about mining in an afforestation zone, Bawankule said the land in question is private property. Only 15 trees were visible in satellite imagery, and permission to cut them had been granted. Forest officials, he said, had confirmed in writing that the plot does not fall under a designated forest zone.
However, since the PMRDA’s proposed development plan marks it for private forestry, the minister said he is open to further review if additional information emerges.
Statewide ETS Survey to Curb Illegal Mining
Bawankule also announced that an ETS-based survey is underway across all districts to identify illegal mining. The exercise will map issued permits and actual excavation levels, enabling strict action against violators.
