EXCLUSIVE: Panvel Upper Tahsildar’s ₹300 Crore Land Order Defies CIDCO, Echoes Kondwa Scam Pattern
A major land scam has surfaced in Panvel after Upper Tahsildar Jitendra Ingale issued an order transferring CIDCO-owned land worth ₹300 crore to private individuals. The land, acquired by the government in 1986, had already been confirmed as CIDCO property, with the local Tahsildar rejecting private claims in 2023. Despite written objections from CIDCO, Ingale revived the closed case and ruled in favour of the claimants, drawing comparisons to the notorious Kondwa land scam.
Panvel Land Scam Exposed: Investigative journalist Unmesh Gujarathi reports Upper Tahsildar Jitendra Ingale illegally ordered transfer of CIDCO’s ₹300 crore land to private parties, defying clear ownership records and reviving a closed case, echoing the infamous Kondwa scam pattern.
In a move sparking allegations of a brazen land grab, Panvel’s Upper Tahsildar, Jitendra Ingale, has passed an order to transfer prime government land worth an estimated ₹300 crore to private individuals. This action directly contradicts clear ownership claims by CIDCO and revives a case already closed by his subordinate.
The 1.04-hectare land at Mouje Ove, Panvel, was formally acquired by the government for CIDCO in 1986 under the Land Acquisition Act. A 2023 application by private parties to reclaim this land was rejected by the local Tahsildar, who cited its acquired status.
Despite this, the file was later transferred to Upper Tahsildar Ingale’s office. Shockingly, on May 9, 2025, he issued an order favouring the private claimants. This was done after CIDCO, in written communications dated March 25 and April 11, 2025, explicitly reaffirmed its ownership and objected to any action.
A Blatant Overreach or Calculated Fraud?
The sequence of events raises grave questions about administrative overreach and intent. The order appears to bypass a settled legal position, ignoring CIDCO’s documented stance as the lawful owner.
“This mirrors the modus operandi of the infamous Kondwa land scam in Pune,” a senior revenue official stated anonymously. “It involves reviving dead cases and overriding clear government ownership for private benefit.”
The core allegation is that Upper Tahsildar Ingale acted beyond his jurisdiction. Legal experts question the authority to overturn a land acquisition completed nearly four decades ago, especially when the concerned agency objects.
Also Read: MLA Daulat Daroda Nephew Held in ₹1.5 Crore Paddy Scam.
Related Article: Industrial Land Scam in Navi Mumbai: Tehsildar Suspended.
All Eyes on Revenue Minister Bawankule
The scandal places immediate pressure on Maharashtra’s Revenue Minister, Chandrashekhar Bawankule. Public and activist groups are demanding a high-level inquiry and swift action against the officials involved.
Minister Bawankule’s response will be a key test of the government’s stance on corruption within the revenue machinery. Will he order a probe or will political considerations shield the accused? The question now hangs over the Mantralaya.
Sprouts News reached out to Upper Tahsildar Jitendra Ingale for his version. In a written response, he defended the order, stating, “The decision was taken within the legal framework after a comprehensive review of all documents. CIDCO’s letters were considered, but other substantive records presented by the applicants necessitated a fresh legal examination.”
In response to our detailed query, Upper Tahsildar Jitendra Ingale provided an initial response and invited further discussion, stating, “Kindly visit the office. I have reserved time for you tomorrow afternoon at 2:00 PM to review the relevant file and the legal citation.” We are publishing this story today, and any substantive quote from tomorrow’s meeting will be updated accordingly. We thank him for his time.
The case exposes critical vulnerabilities in land record management. It highlights how determined officials can allegedly manipulate systems to divert valuable public assets, demanding urgent systemic reform.
