Thane and Palghar Zilla Parishads Protest: Uncivil Arrest in Embezzlement Case?

Officials from Thane and Palghar Zilla Parishads have commenced an indefinite strike opposing the controversial arrest of Sunita Maraskolhe, a Block Development Officer, alleging malpractices in an embezzlement case. Staffers argue the arrest disregards legal norms, with potential disruptions to several development operations.

In a bold move opposing the controversial arrest of a fellow officer, personnel from Thane and Palghar Zilla Parishads initiated an indefinite strike on Monday. Sunita Maraskolhe, a Block Development Officer in Wardha, Maharashtra, has been detained in connection with an embezzlement case.

Officers from various departments, including general administration, village panchayat, additional CEO, and project directors, joined the protest, highlighting their collective disagreement with the legal process followed. They assert that the arrest breaches essential legal norms.

The protesting staff claims that implicating a BDO criminally over signing Digital Signature Certificates is unjust, as major groundwork under schemes like MGNREGA is typically carried out by contractual workers. This strike is expected to disrupt rural development tasks and administrative functions significantly.

(With inputs from agencies.)