Pune : The former District Health Officer of Zilla Parishad, Dr. Bhagwan Antu Pawar, faced multiple complaints including financial corruption and sexual harassment. The Commissionerate of Health Services of the State Government acknowledged these complaints and a committee of Joint Secretary level officers decided to suspend Dr. Pawar in accordance with Maharashtra Civil Service Rules.
He has been relocated to Nandurbar during the suspension period to ensure impartial investigations. Dr. Pawar, accused of sexual exploitation of contract women and other misconduct, will have the opportunity to present his side during the investigation. The government received complaints of financial irregularities as well.
A three-member inquiry committee was formed by the Commissionerate to investigate the allegations against Dr. Pawar thoroughly. Following the committee's recommendation, Dr. Pawar was suspended under Rule 4 (1) (a) of the Rules, 1979. The health department clarified that the suspension was necessary to facilitate a fair investigation into the serious complaints.