State orders probe into stamp duty scam worth Rs 10,000-20,000 crorePriyanka KakodkarMumbai: Revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has ordered an investigation by a task force under the state accountant general into a stamp duty scam in the state which could be valued at between Rs 10,000 crore to Rs 20,000 crore.Speaking in the state assembly on Thursday, he said, The govt has received reports of serious irregularities in adjudication proceedings, where stamp duty was allegedly assessed at higher values and subsequently reduced through misuse of quasi-judicial powers.”The probe will investigate stamp duty adjudication cases across the state between April 1, 2021 and March 31, 2026. “Preliminary indications suggest that irregularities amounting to between Rs 10,000 crore and Rs 20,000 crore may have occurred,” said Bawankule.“We have taken serious note of irregularities in stamp duty assessments and unauthorised property registrations that have caused significant losses to the state. The irregularities appear to have been carried out systematically and in collusion with vested interests,” Bawankule said.“Officers involved in such serious misconduct have no place in public service. The government will pursue the strongest possible action against those found guilty,” Bawankule added.He was responding to a Navi Mumbai case highlighted by NCP SP MLA Jitendra Awhad in which a senior clerk, functioning as a stamp officer, allegedly processed and registered more than 800 documents within a span of just ten days. These were used to register unauthorised constructions leading to a loss of around Rs 13.9 crores in stamp duty.An FIR has been registered at Turbhe police station, and the officer has been suspended. The state is examining legal provisions for his dismissal.Bawankule also said the state government will issue new standard operating procedures and detailed guidelines governing stamp duty adjudication proceedings.“Any officer found acting beyond prescribed legal limits, misusing authority, or causing loss to government revenue will face criminal proceedings in addition to departmental action. There is a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption, abuse of authority and revenue leakages. The department is committed to ensuring transparency, accountability and the protection of public resources,” said Bawankule.
