Nagpur: Problems of NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) leader and former minister Eknath Khadse may increase as the Maharashtra government has ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiry against him. State minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced that the team will investigate a land-related issue connected to highway expansion work.
According to officials, the case is linked to land in several villages near Muktainagar where a national highway widening project is planned. The government had earlier decided to acquire about 56 hectares of land for the project. After the notification was issued, some people reportedly planted trees on the land to claim higher compensation.
BJP MLA Mangesh Chavan alleged that Khadse bought a part of the notified land shortly after the government announcement in 2023. He claimed the land purchase documents showed it as farming land, and later it was presented as if many trees had been there for years to receive more compensation.
Minister Bawankule said that a special team led by Divisional Commissioner Pravin Gedam will investigate the matter. The SIT will check records from six departments and study land issues in nine villages. The team has been asked to submit its report within three months.
