Opposition seeks action against Devendra Fadnavis for transferring dead excise official
The CM had signed an order on July 3 that moved Sandip Maruti Sabale from Kolhapur to Nashik, even though Sabale had died in a car accident in 2013.
Maharashta Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis came under attack from Opposition parties on Tuesday over the transfer of an excise inspector who had died three years ago. The Indian Express reported that the Opposition parties have demanded a high-level inquiry into the matter.
Fadnavis, who was in charge of the state's Excise Department for a month after minister Eknath Khadse resigned, had signed an order on July 3, approving the transfer of Sandip Maruti Sabale from Kohlapur to Nashik. Firstpost reported that Sabale had died in a road accident in Kolhapur in 2013. A government clerk was suspended and a showcause notice was issued to the department’s Kohlapur superintendent on Tuesday.
According to dna, in the Maharashtra government records, Sabale was alive, still working with the government and drawing a salary as well. Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan said an inquiry committee now has to find out who was drawing the salary in the absence of Sabale. "The inquiry should be initiated immediately and strict action be taken against those found guilty.”
Congress leader Narayan Rane also alleged large-scale irregularities and raised questions about the transfer process. "According to rule, only 30% of employees could be transferred in one year. But Fadnavis transferred all 180 police sub-inspectors in a month's time."