Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
A viral video of two government employees consuming liquor inside the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission office has led to their suspension. Following swift action from the Mumbai headquarters, clerk Dilip Kenekar and peon Ashok Owhal were suspended and transferred Kenekar to Akola and Owhal to Dharashiv.
The controversy erupted after the video spread on social media, prompting district collector Dileep Swami to formally notify the Mumbai headquarters. UBT city president Balasaheb Thorat also intervened, submitting a memorandum to resident deputy collector Vinod Khiroldkar, demanding strict action and citing public grievances about office functioning.
Suspension orders issued amid growing pressure
Efforts to reach Shilpa Dolharkar, chairperson of the consumer forum, were unsuccessful. However, Administrator Koturwar confirmed that disciplinary action had been taken. The suspension orders were issued in the evening after mounting public and administrative pressure.
A crucial legal body
Established in 1990, the district consumer disputes redressal commission plays a key role in addressing consumer complaints. Out of 15,101 cases filed, 12,787 have been resolved, while 2,314 remain pending. The office functions with 11 staff members, under the leadership of Chairperson Dolharkar and members Ganeshkumar Selukar and Janhavi Bhide. Hearings take place daily, and appeals against decisions can be escalated from the Padampura Bench to Mumbai, and ultimately to Delhi if necessary.