Pune, 9th August 2025: The disappearance of items worth several lakhs from the official bungalow of the Pune Municipal Commissioner has raised serious questions about security and accountability. Despite the gravity of the case, the investigation has yet to pick up pace.
The missing items reportedly include four air conditioners, two televisions, chandeliers, brass lamps, an Aquaguard, a dining table, a coffee machine, kitchen utensils, and other valuables. The incident came to light after the departure of former commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale, but before the arrival of the current commissioner, Naval Kishore Ram.
Ram has stated that he was unaware of what items were originally in the bungalow and has tasked City Engineer Prashant Waghmare with conducting the inquiry.
For days, the matter was kept under wraps by the administration, but once it became public through media reports, it caused a stir within civic offices. Instead of focusing solely on the missing property, officials reportedly turned their attention to how the information was leaked, questioning some staff from the buildings, property, electrical, and additional commissioner’s offices.
Meanwhile, some security guards posted at the commissioner’s office have been transferred after a separate incident in which Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers reached the commissioner’s meeting hall without being stopped. Two permanent guards and three contractual guards from a private agency have been reassigned.
Activist Vijay Kumbhar alleged that while one of the missing chandeliers has been returned, most other items are still unaccounted for. The slow pace of the investigation continues to raise doubts about whether the truth will come out.