Following a suspension order from the state public health department, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has suspended PMC health officer Dr Bhagwan Pawar.
The order dated May 21 stated that action was taken under the Maharashtra Civil Service (Disciplinary and Appeal) Rules, 1979.
Pawar has been accused of financial misconduct as well as sexual and mental abuse of female colleagues during his tenure in Pune and Satara districts.
Officials said the preliminary report submitted by the inquiry committee set up on April 29 found substance in the allegations against Dr Pawar.
Dr Pawar was appointed as PMC Health Director by the state government on March 11 for a two-year term. However, five months later, on September 5, 2023, he was relieved of his duties and transferred to Mumbai. As the transfer was not accepted, Dr Pawar moved the Maharashtra Administrative Tribunal seeking reconsideration of the decision. The tribunal reinstated Dr Pawar as PMC Health Director on October 19, 2023.
“Dr Pawar spent the majority of his tenure in Pune and Satara districts. During his tenure, there were serious complaints of alleged corruption, sexual abuse of women colleagues and mental abuse against him. Considering the recommendations of the inquiry committee, prima facie, Dr Pawar has violated the Maharashtra Civil Services (Disciplinary and Appeal) Rules, 1979,” Supriya Musale, secretary, Maharashtra government, said.
The state government order stated that during the suspension period, Dr Pawar should report to Nandurbar District Hospital and not leave his office unless further instructions are given.