In a significant move, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s Commissioner and Administrator, Shekhar Singh, has taken decisive action by suspending Junior Engineer Santosh Shirsath. This action comes in response to Shirsath’s alleged dereliction of duty involving the deliberate delay in processing five lift machines seized during an encroachment operation.
Santosh Shirsath, who served in the PCMC’s ‘C’ regional office and led the encroachment squad, faced suspension for withholding the seized lift machines that were part of an operation targeting a company in Bhosari MIDC on March 25, 2023.
The encroachment operation resulted in the seizure of five idle elevator machines, which should have been promptly deposited at the designated parking lot in Moshi. However, Shirsath delayed the process, and the machines were only deposited at the Annasaheb Magar Stadium on August 27 after a complaint was filed.
Shirsath’s failure to follow standard procedures during the encroachment operation and the questionable delay in processing the seized machines led to his suspension. The decision was made to uphold office discipline and prevent any potential adverse impact on the ongoing investigation.
The suspension aims to mitigate the risk of evidence tampering, and a departmental inquiry has been initiated to thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding the dereliction of duty. Commissioner Shekhar Singh underscored the significance of accountability and adherence to protocol within the municipal administration, emphasizing the swift resolution of misconduct to uphold the organization’s integrity.
