Over Two Lakh Farmers Duped in Land Record Scam, Minister Admits Widespread Misuse of 7/12 Extracts

A major land record scam has surfaced in Maharashtra, where over two lakh farmers were allegedly cheated through misuse of revenue laws, with hundreds of officials found involved

Mumbai | 19 March, 2026: Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has admitted in the Assembly that more than two lakh farmers across the state were defrauded through manipulation of 7/12 land records by revenue officials.

The scam involves misuse of provisions under the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, where officials allegedly altered land records under the pretext of corrections. In Pune division alone, over 38,000 such cases have been identified. Of these, 2,383 cases were investigated, revealing the involvement of 152 officials.

According to findings of the Praveen Gedam Committee, 15 officials were involved in serious violations, 82 in major irregularities, and 55 in related offences. The minister stated that strict action, including filing criminal cases, will be initiated against the accused officials within a week.

The issue was raised by legislator Anil Parab, who alleged that influential individuals colluded with revenue officials to exploit poor farmers, pushing some families into severe distress. He also demanded suspension of the accused and called for a Special Investigation Team with external members.

Further details revealed that provisions under sections 155, 182, 220, and 257 were misused over the past five years to carry out fraudulent changes in land records across Maharashtra.

The minister assured that a comprehensive investigation will be completed within three months, and a detailed report will be presented before the legislature.

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