The Nashik Ring Road project has come under scrutiny following allegations that portions of land in Gaulane village were brought into the acquisition zone after the publication of the final land acquisition list. The controversy centres on land parcels linked to directors of Ekam, the firm reportedly involved in route planning and survey work for the project. Critics have questioned whether alignment modifications were introduced after statutory procedures had been completed. The allegations remain unverified and have not been adjudicated by any court, but they have renewed debate over transparency, land acquisition practices, and governance in major infrastructure projects.

Nashik Ring Road Scam: Allegations of Route Alteration Raise Questions Over Land Acquisition Process in Gaulane Village

Fresh allegations have emerged surrounding the Nashik Ring Road project after claims that land owned by directors of Ekam, the firm involved in route planning, was allegedly brought into the acquisition zone following publication of the final land acquisition list.

The Nashik Ring Road project has come under scrutiny after allegations surfaced regarding changes made to the proposed alignment in Gaulane village, raising questions about transparency, land acquisition procedures, and potential conflicts of interest.

The controversy relates to the proposed 66-kilometre Ring Road, also known as the Simhastha Parikrama Marg, being developed around Nashik ahead of the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela. According to documents and representations reviewed in connection with the matter, concerns have been raised that changes were allegedly introduced to the alignment after the final land acquisition list had already been published.

The project is being implemented under the supervision of the Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC), while route planning and survey-related work were reportedly entrusted to Ekam. The allegations centre on land located in Gaulane village and involve land parcels bearing Group Numbers 11/5 and 11/6.

Questions Raised Over Gaulane Village Land Inclusion

According to records cited by complainants, the Land Acquisition Department issued notices in December 2025 identifying the survey groups proposed for acquisition in Gaulane village. Those notices reportedly did not include Group Number 11/6.

Subsequently, after discussions with affected landowners and completion of procedural steps, authorities published a final land acquisition list on May 14, 2026. Available records indicate that Group Number 11/6 was not included in that final list either.

However, allegations have since emerged that the Ring Road alignment was later modified, resulting in the inclusion of land from Group Number 11/6 within the project corridor. Critics argue that any such alteration after publication of the final list warrants detailed examination by competent authorities.

The issue has attracted attention because residents across several villages have been raising objections to the Ring Road alignment, arguing that houses, wells, farm ponds, and agricultural properties may be affected by the project.

Land Purchase by Ekam Directors Under Spotlight

Documents cited in the allegations state that Ekam directors Sachin Chintawar and Swapnil Chintawar purchased approximately 138 gunthas of land in Gaulane village in November 2025, including portions of Group Numbers 11/5 and 11/6.

According to those raising concerns, neither the initial acquisition notices nor the final acquisition list reportedly referenced the land owned by the Chintawar brothers. The controversy intensified after claims emerged that part of the land was subsequently brought within the acquisition zone through a revised alignment.

Representations submitted in the matter allege that approximately 21 gunthas of the purchased land are now proposed for acquisition, while the remaining land has allegedly gained frontage along the proposed Ring Road corridor.

Critics contend that such changes could substantially increase the commercial value of adjoining land. These allegations remain subject to verification by the relevant authorities and have not been adjudicated by any court.

Executive Engineer Confirms Inclusion of Group Number 11/6

The matter gained further significance after Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation Executive Engineer Vijaykumar Koli reportedly confirmed that Group Number 11/6 forms part of the Ring Road alignment.

The reported confirmation has prompted calls for clarification regarding when the alignment was altered, whether statutory procedures were followed, and what approvals were obtained before implementing any modifications.

Observers note that infrastructure projects of this scale require strict adherence to acquisition procedures, particularly when affected landowners have already participated in consultations and consent-related processes.

The allegations have also reignited broader concerns about planning transparency in major public infrastructure projects associated with the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela.

Also Read: BCCL Distances Times Group from Four Media Publications.

Calls for Independent Examination of Alignment Changes

The controversy is expected to intensify as affected stakeholders seek greater disclosure of the decision-making process behind the alleged modification to the alignment.

Those raising objections have called for an independent review of all records relating to the Nashik Ring Road alignment, land acquisition notifications, survey reports, and approvals connected to Gaulane village.

Allegations of Intimidation During Ring Road Dispute

Fresh controversy has emerged around the Nashik Ring Road project after allegations were made that an IAS officer identified as Pawan Datta allegedly entered a farmer’s residence during the morning hours and created an atmosphere of fear while carrying a stick. The allegations have been raised by local farmers opposing aspects of the project and remain subject to verification by the competent authorities. No official response from Pawan Datta regarding these allegations was immediately available.

Claims Over Land Purchases by Senior Officials

Farmer groups opposing the Nashik Ring Road project have also alleged that agricultural lands are being acquired in a manner that benefits private development interests. According to representations made by local residents, several IAS and IPS officers have reportedly purchased substantial land parcels in the project vicinity. Protesters claim that between 40 and 50 acres of land are linked to senior officials and allege that the Ring Road alignment has been planned in a way that could enhance the value of those properties. These claims have not been independently verified and would require examination by the relevant government authorities.

As the project moves forward, attention is likely to remain focused on whether authorities provide detailed explanations regarding the inclusion of Group Number 11/6 and the circumstances under which the alleged changes were made.

The outcome of any official inquiry or review could have wider implications for public confidence in land acquisition procedures and infrastructure planning across Maharashtra. Sprouts News will continue monitoring developments and responses from all concerned authorities.

Readers’ Appeal

Readers having information, documents, records, or views related to the Nashik Ring Road project, Gaulane village land acquisition, Ekam, Sachin Chintawar, Swapnil Chintawar, or related administrative decisions may contact Senior Investigative Journalist Unmesh Gujarathi and the Sprouts News investigation team at 9322755098. All credible inputs will be examined in the public interest.

Editorial Note:

This article is based on publicly available FIR records, court case references, and reports published by multiple media organisations. The information is presented in the context of ongoing investigations and public interest reporting. Sprouts News does not make any judicial determination regarding the individuals mentioned and does not intend to defame any person or organisation. Any individual seeking clarification or wishing to provide an official response may contact the editorial team with verifiable documentation. The information is presented for journalistic and informational purposes.