Nagpur: Maharashtra revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Monday declined to comment in detail on the controversial godman Ashok Kharat case, describing it as “highly sensitive” and cautioned people against making statements that could affect the ongoing investigation.“The investigating agencies are doing their job. Unwarranted questions may create obstacles in the probe,” the guardian minister told the media, urging for restraint as scrutiny around the case grows.On concerns over a possible fertiliser price hike following the war in West Asia, Bawankule rejected the claims as misinformation. “False information is being spread on social media. The govt will take strict action against hoarders. Farmers will not be allowed to suffer,” he said.Highlighting policy measures, Bawankule said the govt has decided to regularise residential encroachments up to 1,500 sq ft under revenue reforms, while working towards systems that would eliminate the need for citizens to visit tehsil offices frequently.He added that a proposal to waive taxes on tenements up to 500 sq ft in Mumbai is under consideration and a decision will be taken soon.Bawankule said reports of “ladies dance bars” operating illegally in Navi Mumbai have come to light. He emphasized that the govt is closely monitoring such activities and that he would communicate these concerns to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis to ensure strict action is taken.# Key TakeawaysProbe agencies must work without interference in Kharat caseDismisses fertiliser price hike claims as misinformationWarns of strict action against hoardersTax waiver proposal for 500 sq ft houses in Mumbai under considerationFlags Navi Mumbai dance bar issue, to discuss with CM
