Bawankule orders probe into Rs15cr bogus tax receipt scam

Nagpur: Revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Thursday highlighted a major financial irregularity involving bogus tax receipts worth Rs15 crore. Speaking to the media outside the divisional commissioner's office, he stated that a complaint was received and an inquiry initiated under the divisional commissioner alongside ZP CEO and the accounts department.
"It is a serious case of corruption, and a thorough investigation is underway," Bawankule said, adding that a high-level meeting discussed the issue.
The meeting also discussed establishment of new police stations in Nagpur city and rural areas. Given the increasing population in Nagpur and surrounding regions, Bawankule instructed officials to prepare a proposal for setting up additional police stations within the city, rural, and commissionerate limits. The proposal will be submitted to the state govt.
Rural SP Harsh Poddar told TOI that six new police stations have been proposed for rural areas. "The exact locations are yet to be finalised," he said.
Bawankule also addressed the illegal felling of teak trees in Ramtek. "A contractor allegedly cut and removed the trees unlawfully. Officials are looking into the complaint to determine violations and necessary action," he added.
Bawankule also spoke about the sand ghats in Nagpur district and East Vidarbha. He said, "Policies and guidelines for sand ghats were reviewed to ensure proper regulation and prevent illegal extraction. Discussions were held on streamlining and keeping an eye out for illegal sand mining operations."
The meeting also touched upon the timely issuance of income and caste certificates for students appearing in examinations. Bawankule stressed that students should receive their income certificates and eligibility documents within 48 hours of the exam results to prevent delays in admissions and scholarships.
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including divisional commissioner-in-charge Madhuri Khode-Chaware, NMC commissioner Abhijit Chaudhary, collector Vipin Itankar, ZP CEO Vinayak Mahamuni, Rural SP Harssh Poddar, additional principal chief conservator of forests and central officer Naresh Jurmure, and chief conservator of forests A Srilakshmi.
Bawankule also directed naming of a high-power committee to look into rehabilitation of people whose land was acquired by WCL at Katodi in Saoner.