Deori panchayat samiti chairman Anil Bisen disqualified after inquiry finds misconduct

Anil Bisen, chairman of the Deori panchayat samiti in Gondia district, has been disqualified from the post by the divisional commissioner. He was investigated on a complaint filed by Advocate Bhushan Maskare, and the inquiry found him guilty. The commissioner issued the order on November 4, causing a stir in political circles.

Bisen has often been in controversy. One particular party praised his work and called him a "vikaspurush" (development man), and elected representatives consistently backed him. On the other hand, several corruption cases and complaints were raised against him.

Complainant Advocate Maskare brought to light that Bisen had built on encroached government land. He then filed a formal complaint with the department, and an inquiry was ordered. The inquiry found that Bisen had built on encroached government land and misused his post.

The inquiry also found that, although ADB Traders is an establishment he owns, he served his own interests by supplying materials for construction works. He was therefore held disqualified under Section 16(1)(i) of the Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti Act, 1961. It also emerged that he had availed of a borewell benefit under MGNREGA in his own name, and a cattle shed scheme benefit in the names of his brother and sister-in-law.

As the inquiry proved Bisen guilty, Divisional Commissioner Vijayalakshmi Bidari issued an order disqualifying the respondent chairman, Anilkumar Bisen, from the post under Sections 16(1)(i) and 58(1)(e) of the Maharashtra Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti Act, 1961. With this order, Bisen stands disqualified from the post.

At a press conference after the action, Advocate Maskare said Anilkumar Bisen's corrupt conduct was well known. He said he had filed a formal complaint and given the department the documents. He said the department's inquiry found Bisen guilty point by point, which is why the commissioner disqualified him. He said the action proves that no one is above the law.

Former Zilla Parishad member Gangadhar Parshuramkar, an associate of Maskare, and social activist Yashwant Mankar were present at the press conference. Maskare added that the fight will continue. He said he would submit to the judicial system whatever further evidence the case required.