Nagpur: Nehru Nagar zone gets new assistant commissioner amid probe into development works

The departmental inquiry into development works in Nehru Nagar Zone No. 5 of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation has intensified. The additional commissioner has issued an order handing charge of the zone's assistant commissioner post to another officer. The post was earlier held by Vikas Raibole.

The matter concerns various development works, work orders, bills and administrative actions in the zone during the financial year 2025-26. After the departmental inquiry into these began, a demand was raised that Assistant Commissioner Vikas Raibole be kept away from charge of the post until the inquiry is completed.

The demand was made through a memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister's Secretariat. The memorandum said the officer concerned should be sent on leave as per rules. Given the seriousness of the matter, the additional commissioner's order came and the assistant commissioner's work went to another officer.

Nehru Nagar Zone chairperson Seema Dhomne submitted the memorandum. It states that serious complaints had surfaced over these works. Following those complaints, a departmental inquiry committee has been formed by the corporation's chief engineer's office.

The memorandum also voiced a concern. According to it, if the officer concerned remains in the same post during the inquiry, he may stay in contact with employees, contractors, records, work sites and administrative documents. Because of this apprehension, it demanded that he be kept away from charge of the post of assistant commissioner of Nehru Nagar Zone No. 5 until the inquiry is completed.

It had also been demanded that, until the inquiry is completed, he not be given powers relating to sensitive administrative decisions, records and the works concerned. The memorandum also included a demand for the immediate appointment of a competent assistant commissioner in his place.

Local public representatives and citizens believe that if the whole matter is investigated impartially, several more irregularities and financial irregularities may come to light. Questions had already been raised over the quality of development works in the zone and the allocation of funds released.

All eyes are now on the inquiry committee's report. The picture will become fully clear only after the report arrives. If the allegations are proved, strict punitive and administrative action as per rules is likely against the officers and contractors found guilty.