Goa, Aug. 5 -- The Maharashtra government has ordered an inquiry into land transactions carried out over the past three years in Dodamarg and Sawantwadi following the operationalisation of Mopa International Airport.

Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said the probe was initiated amid allegations that outsiders had purchased agricultural land by falsely claiming to be farmers, in violation of existing land ownership norms.

The minister stated that the investigation will examine all land transactions in the two border talukas during the specified period. He added that strict action would be taken against those found guilty based on the findings of the inquiry.

The move comes amid growing concerns over a surge in land purchases in...