Special Correspondent | Pune
An inquiry has been ordered by Maharashtra Revenue Minister and BJP State President Chandrashekhar Bawankule against a senior woman officer posted at the Pune District Collector’s Office for allegedly using disrespectful and rude language towards a citizen.
The incident involves Jyoti Kadam, Resident Deputy Collector, who allegedly misbehaved with Praful Kothari — Director of Royal Group and an active BJP worker — when he visited the Pune Collectorate for personal administrative work.
According to sources, Kothari had approached the office to seek assistance or follow-up on a pending matter when he attempted to meet Deputy Collector Kadam. It is alleged that Kadam, upon seeing Kothari, reacted with irritation and said, “Don’t keep coming here again and again for such work. Don’t come back here again,” in a tone perceived as disrespectful and aggressive.
Feeling humiliated, Kothari immediately sent a message directly to Revenue Minister Bawankule, informing him of the incident and seeking appropriate redressal. Minister Bawankule acted promptly on the complaint and directed a formal inquiry into the matter.
While no official action has yet been taken against the officer as of now, the prompt attention by the minister to a worker’s grievance has been appreciated within party circles. Kothari, speaking to reporters, said that even though the matter is still under review, he is satisfied that the issue was acknowledged at the highest level. “It gives a sense of reassurance that our voices are being heard,” he added.
The incident has triggered a wider debate on bureaucratic accountability and the conduct of senior officers, especially in public-facing roles. Party sources also hinted that this case could set a precedent for how complaints against government officers are handled in future.
The inquiry is expected to be completed in the coming days, and any action will be based on its findings.
