What triggered the investigation after cultivators' names vanished from 7/12?

Mumbai, July 15 (NationPress) A significant violation of land laws has emerged in Jambhe, located in the Satara district, where the names of cultivators recorded on the 7/12 for 311 acres and 23 gunthas of land have mysteriously vanished.

This alarming situation has prompted a quasi-judicial inquiry at the Additional District Collector level to probe into the irregularities and ensure accountability. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule informed the Legislative Council on Tuesday that further actions will be determined following the inquiry's findings.

He assured that if the entries were illegitimately removed, they would be reinstated, and strict measures would be taken against the individuals responsible, emphasizing transparency and justice for the heirs of the original cultivators.

The issue was highlighted by MLC Niranjan Davkhare, who pointed out discrepancies in the land records for 311 acres and 23 gunthas in Jambhe, block No. 30. He mentioned that the land was declared khalsa in 1956 under Mutation Entry No. 160, but this was not reflected in the 7/12, which facilitated illegal sale-purchase transactions.

Davkhare alleged that a 2004 appeal to the Sub-Divisional Officer was swayed by political influence, claiming that a senior revenue official misused the law to acquire the land. He demanded criminal action against the official and action based on reports submitted by the Tehsildar and Sub-Divisional Officer on June 13 and 14, 2025.

Minister Bawankule detailed the history of the case, stating that multiple inquiries under various laws had been conducted previously, concluding in 2014 during former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan’s administration. Following a complaint by Deepak Kadam Patil in 2025, the investigation was reopened.

He revealed that the names of 150 villagers listed as cultivators had been inexplicably removed from the 7/12 between 2003-04, allowing unauthorized transactions.

A quasi-judicial inquiry is currently in progress, and the minister assured that the failure to implement the 1952 Bombay Personal Inams Abolition Act, after 69 years, will also be scrutinized.

MLC Parinay Phuke expressed concerns regarding violations of the Ceiling Act, questioning whether the government would acquire the land and if fraud charges would be pursued against officials submitting false certificates.

He also queried whether notices were issued to cultivators before their entries were removed and if negligent officers would face suspension for bypassing due process. In response, Minister Bawankule clarified that earlier inquiries were conducted under multiple laws, including the ceiling law, but no records of notices or hearings were available.

He reiterated that if entries were wrongfully removed, they would be restored, and action against the culprits would proceed from the Additional Commissioner to the Revenue Minister level.

Urging patience for the report from the Additional District Collector, he assured a transparent inquiry.