The state revenue department has suspended deputy collector Umesh Birari, who is currently posted in the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) as deputy municipal commissioner, for carrying out wrong valuation based on the sale transactions of flats instead of land parcels in Borivli when he was posted in the Mumbai suburban district as a sub-divisional officer.
Background of the Case
Birari joined TMC in 2023 and is still posted in the corporation as a DMC in charge of public relations, estates department, health and anti-encroachment. The suspension order details multiple irregularities committed during his tenure as sub-divisional officer in Mumbai suburban district.
Irregularities Cited
- Wrong valuation based on sale transactions of flats instead of land title
- Not making necessary deductions for encumbered land
- Mentioning only the name of the developer in the award instead of the original owners
- Distributing the compensation amount of Rs 60.30 crore directly to the developer without the consent of the original owners
- Not following instructions given by the superior officer regarding the completion of the contract while passing the award
- Declaring a revised award without the consent of the superior officer
Departmental Inquiry and Suspension
A departmental inquiry has been initiated against Umesh Birari under Rule 8 of the Maharashtra Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1979. The government order stated that the above action of Birari is in violation of Rule 3(1) of the Maharashtra Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1979. The government has decided to suspend Umesh Birari from government service with immediate effect.
Conditions of Suspension
During the period of suspension, Umesh Birari shall not leave the headquarters without the prior consent of the district collector, Thane. He is also prohibited from accepting private employment or carrying on any business or trade. The revenue department is headed by BJP minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule.
