Mumbai: The state transport department on Monday suspended motor vehicle inspector Sachin Patil for negligence while on duty for giving his e-challan machine to a vehicle driver and ordering him to take photographs of other vehicles violating traffic rules. Officials said the incident occurred in May last year when Patil’s video had gone viral. In the video Patil was seen sitting in an official vehicle and also seen telling the private vehicle driver to take action against other vehicles.“The news regarding this has been published in various newspapers and the video clip regarding this has been circulated in various social media. Due to this, the image of the govt has been tarnished and the matter is a violation of the Maharashtra Civil Services (Conduct) Rules,” a govt resolution (GR) stated.“Sachin Patil shall not accept any private employment or engage himself in any trade or profession during the period of suspension. He shall not be paid any subsistence allowance unless he furnishes the certificate required under sub-rule (4) of rule 69 of the Maharashtra Civil Services (Payments during tenure of office, voluntary service, suspension, dismissal and removal from service) Rules, 1981. If he accepts private employment or carries on any trade or profession during the period of suspension, he shall be liable to disciplinary action for violation of rule 16 of the Maharashtra Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1979,” the GR stated.Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Anil Parab had raised the issue in the Legislative Council too and criticised the transport department. Parab had also met CM Devendra Fadnavis and presented evidence against Sachin Patil. Parab had said that he had received an assurance of action from the CM in this matter.Parab claimed Sachin Patil was accused of illegally collecting crores of rupees. “The case is being suppressed by senior officials of the Transport Department. It has been about two months since the incident. However, the transport department has not taken any action against Sachin Patil yet. Transport minister Pratap Sarnaik has also been mum on the issue. Therefore, will action really be taken against Sachin Patil?” Parab had asked.
