Pune, 7th August 2025: Several expensive items have reportedly gone missing from the official residence of the Pune Municipal Commissioner in Model Colony. The list of missing items includes four air-conditioners, two televisions, chandeliers, antique brass lamps, a coffee machine, kitchen fittings, wireless devices, and electronic bells, worth several lakhs of rupees.
The incident came to light after media reports raised questions about the disappearance of such high-value items from a bungalow that has 24x7 security. These items were allegedly found missing after former commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale retired and vacated the bungalow. When officials from the municipal corporation visited the premises later, they noticed the absence of key furnishings and equipment.
Following the media attention, Municipal Commissioner Nawal Kishore Ram has ordered an internal inquiry. City Engineer Prashant Waghmare has been appointed to lead the investigation and verify the inventory of items at the bungalow.
Naval Kishore Ram clarified that it is the responsibility of the building department to maintain the inventory. He stated that he was unaware of what items were present in the bungalow before he moved in.
He also expressed concern about how this information was leaked to the media, adding that no official communication about the missing items was made from his office. Ram further denied any knowledge of the reported ₹20 lakh worth of new items being procured.
Civic activist Vivek Velankar called the incident shocking and said that if the commissioner’s residence isn't secure, it raises serious concerns about public safety. He urged the municipal administration to file a police complaint and demanded a CID-level investigation.
RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar alleged that the property management and building departments were trying to suppress the matter. He claimed that new items were being bought without properly investigating the disappearance of the old ones, and said that the municipal corporation should register a formal case.
The issue has sparked public and media scrutiny over accountability and asset management within Pune Municipal Corporation.
