Civic chief suspends deputy for 3 days

Leaders of various political parties in Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) yesterday slammed civic chief Mahesh Pathak regarding the matter of deputy commissioner Ramesh Shelar's property scam and warned that a complaint will be sent to the state government in case no steps were initiated. Following this Pathak announced his deputy's suspension for three days.u00a0

Under scanner: u00a0Deputy commissioner Ramesh Shelar's wife owns 13 flats in the building in Warje-Malwadi, which do not have completion certificates and even the stamp duty has not been paid. File Pic

"We have sent a show-cause notice to Shelar with a deadline of three days. Surveillance Committee of PMC is also preparing its report. After getting more information we will decide the course of action. For the next three days we are temporarily suspending Shelar from the charge of anti-encroachmentand sky signs departments," Pathak told MiD DAY.

Earlier yesterday, leaders and representatives of various political parties held a meeting and sought an explanation from the municipal commissioner for not taking strict action even after continuous coverage of the issue by media. "For the last three days, Shelar is flashing on all channels and newspaper, but still Pathak is not taking any tangible steps," said Subhash Jagtap, leader of NCP.

Speaking on the issue, Congress leader Arvind Shinde, "After the information of the scam coming to the fore, the commissioner has only sent a show-cause notice, which is not enough. Shelar should be suspended or transferred. We have warned Pathak to take immediate action, otherwise we will raise this issue in the General Body meeting and also complain to the chief minister and guardian minister of Pune."

Meanwhile, Bhartiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) staged a protest at the PMC and demanded Shelar's suspension. Protesters raised slogans at the tainted deputy civic chief's office. Ganesh Ghosh, president of BJYM, said, "We want instant suspension of Ramesh Shelar.

Pathak is protecting him and he is also equally responsible. Detailed information about the illegal properties has been revealed in RTI reply, so there is no need for any evidences. An inquiry should be followed by suspension. We are planning to organise an intense agitation at commissioner's office." u00a0