The Maharashtra state transport department has suspended motor vehicle inspector Sachin Patil for negligence while on duty. The suspension order was issued on Monday after an incident from May last year went viral on social media. In the video, Patil was seen sitting in an official vehicle and instructing a private vehicle driver to use his e-challan machine to take photographs of other vehicles violating traffic rules.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred in May last year and gained widespread attention after the video circulated on various social media platforms. The government resolution (GR) stated that the news was published in multiple newspapers, and the video clip tarnished the image of the government. The actions were deemed a violation of the Maharashtra Civil Services (Conduct) Rules.
Suspension Terms
According to the GR, Sachin Patil is prohibited from accepting any private employment or engaging in any trade or profession during the suspension period. He will not receive any subsistence allowance unless he furnishes the required certificate under sub-rule (4) of rule 69 of the Maharashtra Civil Services (Payments during tenure of office, voluntary service, suspension, dismissal and removal from service) Rules, 1981. If he violates these conditions, he will face disciplinary action for breaching rule 16 of the Maharashtra Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1979.
Political Reaction
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Anil Parab raised the issue in the Legislative Council and criticized the transport department for inaction. Parab met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and presented evidence against Sachin Patil. Parab claimed that he received an assurance from the CM that action would be taken.
Parab further alleged that Sachin Patil was involved in illegally collecting crores of rupees. He accused senior officials of the Transport Department of suppressing the case. Parab questioned the delay in action, noting that nearly two months had passed since the incident without any disciplinary measures. He also pointed out that Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik had remained silent on the matter.
The suspension comes amid ongoing scrutiny of traffic enforcement practices in Mumbai. The transport department's decision aims to restore public trust and uphold disciplinary standards within the civil services.
