Mumbai State Government has announced a judicial inquiry into the land deals that supposedly lead farmer Dharma Patil to commit suicide at the Mantralaya in January. A retired High Court Judge will conduct the inquiry, which is to be completed within three months.

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Energy Minister Chandrashekhar Bavankule, on Wednesday told the state Assembly that the probe will cover every aspect, including allegations of middle-men. Leader of Opposition, Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil, had earlier said that middle-men were involved in acquiring land, including Patil's, for a proposed power project. He had sought action against them, saying that would be a true justice for Patil.

Bavankule that barring Patil, no other farmer in their village had accepted the compensation. Once the award is given as per the Land Acquisition Act, only courts can change the decision, but Patil had neither approached courts nor opted for direct negotiations, which is why he received less money, said the minister.