Dr. Bhagwan Pawar Suspended Under Maharashtra Civil Service Regulations

Mumbai – Dr. Bhagwan Antu Pawar, the former District Health Officer of Zilla Parishad, has been suspended in accordance with the Maharashtra Civil Service Rules. Numerous complaints, including allegations of financial corruption and sexual harassment, were lodged against him. The Health Services Commissionerate of the State Government, following the decision of a committee comprising officers at the Joint Secretary level, took cognizance of these pending complaints and issued Dr. Pawar’s suspension.

Dr. Bhagwan Pawar’s suspension is not tantamount to dismissal; rather, he has been relocated to headquarters in Nandurbar to facilitate a more impartial investigation during the suspension period. Both Dr. Pawar and the complainants concerned will have ample opportunity to present their perspectives during this inquiry.

The department received numerous complaints against Dr. Pawar, including allegations of sexual exploitation of contract women, irregularities in work, mistreatment of officers/employees, mental and financial harassment, and serious allegations of financial misconduct. On April 29, the Health Services Commissionerate formed a three-member inquiry committee, including an officer of Joint Secretary rank, in response to the continuous complaints. Following a thorough investigation, the committee submitted a report regarding the allegations against Dr. Pawar. It concluded that Dr. Pawar is prima facie guilty and warrants a fair investigation. Therefore, Dr. Pawar’s suspension was recommended