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Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh’s persistent follow-up yields major success
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Revenue Minister directs Dharashiv District Collector to conduct inquiry
Mumbai – The Maharashtra government has ordered an inquiry into the alleged illegal transfer and sale of more than 4,121 acres of Inam land belonging to Shri Tuljabhavani Devi Mandir at Tuljapur, one of the most revered shrines for millions of Hindu devotees.
📍तुळजापूर
🚨 महाराष्ट्र मंदिर महासंघाच्या पाठपुराव्याला मोठे यश!
🙏 तुळजापूर येथील श्री तुळजाभवानी देवीच्या ४,१२१ एकर इनामी जमिनीच्या कथित महाघोटाळ्याची सखोल चौकशी करण्याचे निर्देश महसूलमंत्री Chandrashekhar Bawankule यांनी जिल्हाधिकाऱ्यांना दिले.@Ramesh_hjs pic.twitter.com/ws75eN4uEv
— Mandir Mahasangh (@mandirmahasangh) July 1, 2026
Acting on a detailed memorandum submitted by Shri Sunil Ghanwat, National Coordinator of Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh, State Revenue Minister Shri Chandrashekhar Bawankule has directed the District Collector of Dharashiv to immediately constitute an inquiry committee and submit a comprehensive report.
Historical grant and legal protection
During the Nizam era, 1,666.14 hectares (approximately 4,121.14 acres) of land were granted to Shri Tuljabhavani Devi Mandir as Inam. Under the law, this land is inalienable; it cannot be bought or sold, and the provisions of the Tenancy Act do not apply to it. Despite these legal safeguards, thousands of acres are alleged to have been illegally usurped through the collusion of revenue officials and private individuals.
Discrepancies in records and possession
Although official records show 3,397 acres of land in the name of the Shri Tuljabhavani Sansthan, actual possession is reportedly with private individuals associated with four Mathas (monasteries). In addition, 403 acres belonging to the Jagdamba Trust were allegedly transferred directly to private individuals without the knowledge or approval of the principal trust.
The memorandum further alleges that 63.03 acres of land were illegally sold by falsely classifying them as “protected tenancy” land. In another instance, a senior revenue clerk allegedly misused his official position to record 261 acres in the names of 73 private individuals in the 7/12 land records. Furthermore, 158 acres of land in Apsinga and Uphala villages were misappropriated through illegal mutation entries.
Criminal cases must be registered immediately against all those responsible – Sunil Ghanwat
Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh has demanded the immediate registration of criminal cases against the then Deputy District Collectors, trustees, and all other influential persons allegedly involved in these illegal transactions. The organisation has further urged the State government to exercise its statutory powers to cancel all illegal sale deeds and fraudulent 7/12 entries without delay, and restore the entire 1,666.14 hectares of land to the direct ownership and control of the Shri Tuljabhavani Mandir.
