Pune: Mantra Properties’ Gifts At PMC Spark Questions Over Officials’ Conduct, Alleges Activist
Shivajinagar, 16th September 2026: Social activist Sanjay Kone has alleged that gifts carrying the branding of Pune-based real estate developer Mantra Properties were being distributed to officials at the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), raising questions over the acceptance of gifts by civic officials from a private developer.
Kone alleged that the distribution of the gift packages was intended to influence certain PMC officials and help the developer in matters related to its business interests, including approvals, pending proposals and other civic processes.
According to Kone, bags bearing the Mantra branding and designer wooden gift boxes were found in the PMC premises and near the offices of certain officials. He claimed that the boxes contained puja-related articles, a bell, specially packaged modaks and other items.
Kone has questioned whether such gifts are permissible under the service and conduct rules applicable to civic officials, particularly when the recipients may be involved in regulatory or approval-related matters concerning private developers.
“The distribution of expensive gifts to municipal officials by a private developer raises serious questions about transparency and the conduct of officials. The civic administration must establish who received these gifts, what their value was and whether their acceptance was permissible under the applicable rules,” Kone said.
He has demanded that the PMC Commissioner order an immediate inquiry into the matter and identify officials who allegedly accepted the gifts.
Kone has also sought action against Mantra Properties if an inquiry establishes that the gifts were intended to secure any improper favour or benefit from civic officials. He further demanded that the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) examine the matter if the facts disclosed during the inquiry indicate a possible offence under anti-corruption laws.
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The activist warned that he would launch a protest if the civic administration and the state government failed to take action.
The PMC and Mantra Properties’ responses to the allegations were not available at the time of publication.
