MUMBAI, July 10 -- The Maharashtra government on Thursday announced that it will constitute a high-level committee to investigate allegations of corruption and irregularities in the Nashik Ring Road project, a key infrastructure initiative linked to preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, which is scheduled to begin in October in Nashik. Revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule informed the state assembly during the monsoon session that a three-member committee, headed by the additional chief secretary (revenue), will probe allegations that the alignment of the proposed Ring Road was altered to benefit certain individuals, including self-styled godman Ashok Kharat and others. The issue was raised during a discussion in the assembly by Congress legislator Vijay Wadettiwar, who demanded action against project management consultant Ekam Ventures and its directors, Sachin Chintawar and Swapnil Chintawar. NCP legislator Saroj Ahire also sought action against the firm and urged the government to blacklist it. Ahire alleged that the Ring Road alignment was deliberately changed so that land owned by Kharat, Dilip Salunkhe, retired bureaucrat Sanjay Chahande's wife Sujata Chahande, and several others would fall within the acquisition zone. "The alignment of the Ring Road was changed to ensure that lands owned by Ashok Kharat, Dilip Salunkhe, retired bureaucrat Sanjay Chahande's wife Sujata and several others could be acquired for the project," Ahire alleged, adding that she possessed extracts from the 7/12 land records to substantiate her claims. Responding to the allegations, Bawankule announced the formation of a three-member inquiry committee comprising the additional chief secretary (revenue), the Settlement Commissioner and the concerned Inspector General of Registration (IGR). The panel has been directed to submit its report within 15 days and recommend further action....