The state government has ordered an investigation into alleged attempts to grab 42 acres of forest land in Nagpur district, an official said on Friday. After receiving complaints about the alleged land-grab bid, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule held a high-level meeting at Mantralaya (state secretariat) on Thursday night and asked top officials to submit a report on the matter, he said.

District Collector Vipin Itankar and senior forest officials were present at the meeting. Locals have alleged that a few forest department officials colluded with certain individuals and attempted to illegally divert 42 acres of forest land worth crores of rupees by manipulating the land allotment process, said a statement issued by the office of Bawankule.