25 vehicles and panchanama files missing

Lokmat News Network

Chhatapati Sambhajinagar

In a shocking case of mismanagement, around 25 seized vehicles and their panchanama files have gone missing from the Phulambri Tehsil Office over the past year, sources revealed. Additionally, the CCTV DVR installed at the office has also disappeared, raising serious concerns about security and accountability in the revenue department.

On March 11 and June 20, 2024, the revenue team seized four tractors involved in illegal sand mining from the Girija River in Pal and Vanegaon. These tractors were parked in the tehsil office premises but went missing 11 months ago. Despite multiple directives from the Tehsildar to register an FIR against the responsible officials, including a mandal officer, talathi, and a senior clerk, no action was taken. Finally, on March 12, 2025, Revenue Assistant Akash Armal lodged a complaint at the Phulambri Police Station, leading to an FIR against unknown persons. That night, the police recovered one of the four stolen tractors from Vanegaon, but the thieves remain unidentified, and the remaining three tractors are still missing.

Was an insider involved?

With the theft happening within the tehsil office, suspicion has arisen about an insider's involvement. Given the large penalties imposed on seized vehicles, it is suspected that this theft was orchestrated with the help of local mafias to avoid fines, possibly involving a significant monetary transaction. Adding to the mystery, the CCTV DVR from the Tehsildar's office itself was stolen earlier this year. A complaint was lodged by the Naib Tehsildar on January 1, 2025, and an FIR was registered, but the police have made no progress in identifying the culprits. The case has been left unattended.

Why are officials silent?

According to a retired officer, nearly 25 seized vehicles, including tractors and Hyva trucks, have been stolen over the past year. More concerningly, the panchanama files documenting these vehicles have also gone missing, making it difficult to file police complaints. Despite this, no action has been taken by the concerned officials. The situation raises serious questions about corruption and negligence in the Phulambri Revenue Department.