Nagpur: Even as the NMC initiated steps to auction properties of tax defaulters in Hanuman Nagar zone on Wednesday, putting a stay on similar action in NMC’s Mangalwari zone proved costly to controversial ward officer Harish Raut.
Dissatisfied over Raut’s reply over his inaction in auctioning properties, NMC administration has imposed a fine of Rs 50000 on him and also withheld his next two pay increments. The fine would be recovered to cover the cost incurred on advertisements of auction. It may be mentioned that property tax worth Rs 19.43 lakh was to be recovered through auctioning 7 properties of different defaulters. It is learnt that Raut has kept all the matters limited to him while going ahead with the stay.
However sources are keen to see future course of action in this regard as they are skeptical about the said action against Raut. Interestingly it is learnt that action against Raut was hurriedly taken to protect commissioner level officer Ravindra Deotale who actually signed the document for staying the auction.
Raut caught the eye of storm after he cancelled the auction of 7 properties of the defaulters in Mangalwari zone. The move was reportedly supported by Deotale who issued orders for staying the action. Insiders revealed that Raut had kept the NMC commissioner as well as additional commissioner in dark regarding the issue. Around Rs 50000 were spent on advertising the auction which would now be recovered from Raut. Besides, his two pay increments have also been put on hold.
Meanwhile, NMC had also issued showcause notice to Raut and sought reply in 8 days.
