Pune: Junior Engineer Akshay Nandkumar Zargad has been suspended by the Pune Zilla Parishad (ZP) for executing a government-approved project under the Public Amenities scheme at an unauthorized location in Waghalwadi, Baramati taluka.
The suspension order was issued by Pune ZP Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gajanan Patil, marking his second disciplinary action against a junior engineer within the last two weeks.
The work, which was sanctioned for a specific site in Waghalwadi, was conducted elsewhere without obtaining prior approval from the relevant authority. As the junior engineer overseeing the project, Zargad was responsible for its budget and overall execution.
Complaints about the unauthorized change in location were raised by villagers, prompting an investigation by the Deputy Engineer of the Baramati Panchayat Samiti.
A report submitted by the Deputy Engineer and further inquiry by the Executive Engineer confirmed the allegations. Taking these findings into account, the CEO ordered Zargad’s temporary suspension.
Broader Investigations Launched
The Zilla Parishad's Construction Department is currently investigating several junior engineers for alleged irregularities. However, there were previous concerns that these inquiries were being deliberately delayed.
Acting on complaints about such delays, ZP CEO Gajanan Patil has instructed the administration to expedite all pending cases and has begun enforcing stricter accountability measures.