Crackdown on Illegal Land Deals: Minister Orders FIRs for Encroachment, Excavation in Pune
Mumbai/Pune, 28th May 2025: Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has directed authorities to register cases against individuals involved in unauthorized plotting, land sales, and illegal excavation activities in Pune’s Katraj, Kondhwa, and Yewalewadi areas.
The minister issued the instructions during a high-level meeting held at the Ministry in Mumbai. The meeting was attended by ex-MLA Yogesh Tilekar and senior officials from the revenue and municipal departments.
Bawankule expressed dissatisfaction over the incomplete removal of encroachments in the aforementioned areas despite prior assurances given in the Legislative Council. “Notices alone are not enough. Simply paying a fine does not absolve the violators,” he said, stressing the need for stricter enforcement.
He ordered that criminal cases be filed within the next three days against those involved in illegal land activities and excavation. “Officers, tehsildars, and municipal commissioners will be held accountable if illegal encroachments continue. A detailed action report must be submitted within three days,” Bawankule added.
The minister’s stern warning comes amid growing concerns over unregulated urban expansion, environmental degradation due to illegal digging, and alleged nexus between land mafias and officials.
