Maharashtra: Tehsildar Suspended After Farewell Video Goes Viral

Nanded, 18th August 2025: Tehsildar Prashant Thorat, who was recently transferred from Umri in Nanded district to Renapur in Latur, has been suspended after a farewell video of him singing inside his office chair on August 8 surfaced on social media.

The suspension order was issued by Divisional Commissioner Jitendra Papalkar based on a report submitted by Nanded district collector Rahul Kardile, who observed that Thorat’s actions had “tarnished the government’s image” and recommended disciplinary action.

Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule confirmed the action on Sunday, stressing that government officers must uphold the dignity of their posts. “Singing and performing may be appropriate in personal or family settings, but official spaces require decorum and seriousness,” he said in a statement.

The viral clip showed Thorat singing in his office during the farewell while seated on the official chair. The suspension order noted that the act was “inappropriate for a government officer” and “displayed irresponsible behavior.”

Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Bawankule criticised the manner in which the farewell was held. “The event looked more like a musical gathering than a formal farewell. The officer was performing from the tehsildar’s chair, which is not just an administrative position but also functions as a judicial bench. Thousands of citizens’ cases are pending before such an office, yet he found time for this,” he remarked.

The minister added that he and the Additional Chief Secretary had directed the divisional commissioner to initiate immediate suspension proceedings. “Every government officer must remember that their conduct reflects on the institution they serve,” Bawankule said.

The decision, however, has drawn mixed reactions. While some citizens supported the move, others, including political leaders from the BJP, called the punishment excessive and urged the government to reconsider.