During the inspection, Minister Bawankule reportedly discovered cash hidden inside an official’s desk drawer, intensifying concerns about ongoing malpractices
Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule. (Screengrab)
Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Monday carried out a surprise inspection at the Sub-Registrar’s Office in Nagpur following multiple complaints of officials allegedly demanding bribes from citizens.
Despite a fully digitised registration system, reports suggested that some officials were still engaging in corrupt practices and extorting money.
During the inspection, Minister Bawankule reportedly discovered cash hidden inside an official’s desk drawer, intensifying concerns about ongoing malpractices.
Police authorities have been summoned to launch a detailed investigation into the incident.
Addressing the public, Minister Bawankule urged citizens to report any instances of bribery. “We are committed to rooting out corruption and ensuring transparency in all government processes,” he said. “I encourage the public to report such misconduct directly to the authorities without hesitation.”
The Maharashtra government reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on corruption. Further updates will follow as the investigation progresses.
BJP's Bawankule decries black flag protests during leaders' visits, warns of action
Earlier, senior BJP leader and Maharashtra cabinet minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on September 26 condemned the use of black flag protests during leaders’ visits to flood-hit areas in the state, reported the PTI.
Bawankule warned that such demonstrations would not be tolerated and hinted that action could be taken against those involved.
Speaking to reporters in Maharashtra's Amravati, Bawankule said, “If anyone wants to convey their concerns, I am open to accepting representations. But showing black flags is not the correct way. If this continues, we will be forced to respond accordingly,” according to the PTI.
The statement comes as various regions of Maharashtra, particularly Marathwada, have suffered extensive crop loss and devastation due to heavy rainfall since September 20, impacting lakhs of farmers.
Bawankule assured that no affected farmer would be excluded from the compensation process.
He said that BJP workers had been directed to ensure that every farmer whose crops, livestock, or homes were damaged is accounted for in the ongoing damage assessment.
The minister also acknowledged issues with the e-KYC (electronic Know Your Customer) system due to technical server problems and confirmed that the information technology, agriculture, and revenue departments were coordinating to expedite the process, as per the PTI.
Responding to media queries about senior officials attending a dance event while Dharashiv district faced flooding, Bawankule said that he had requested a report from the revenue divisional commissioner and that appropriate action would follow upon review.
(With inputs from PTI)
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