The Maharashtra government announced a probe into the multi-crore irrigation scam on Monday. The probe will be conducted by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by renowned water expert Dr Madhav Chitale.

"The government has decided to appoint an SIT under Dr Madhav Chitale to probe the irrigation issue," water resources minister Sunil Tatkare told the assembly on Monday.

Officials said the probe would involve the functioning of five regional irrigation corporations -- Vidarbha, Krishna valley, Konkan, Godavari and Tapi -- since 1995-96 when they were formed under the Shiv Sena-BJP rule.