1 day ago
Pune Activist Seeks Probe Into Alleged Gifts To PMC Officials
Pune activist Sanjay Kone says a property company gave gift hampers to city officials.
He believes the gifts may have been meant to influence government decisions.
He said the hampers included religious items, sweets and other products.
Kone asked authorities to investigate the matter.
He also requested action under rules that restrict officials from accepting gifts from businesses.
Mantra Group said the hampers were only festival gifts for friends and family.
The company denied having any improper intention.
Pune civic officials had not commented when the report was published.
Activist Sanjay Kone alleged that Mantra Properties distributed expensive gift hampers to Pune Municipal Corporation officers.
Kone said designer bags and branded wooden boxes were found inside PMC premises and near officers’ chambers.
He claimed the hampers contained puja materials, bells, designer modak boxes and other valuables.
Kone sought a municipal inquiry, suspension of officers who accepted gifts, legal action and an Anti-Corruption Bureau probe.
Mantra Group said the hampers contained only sweets and religious items, calling the allegations false; PMC officials had not responded.
- Who
- Pune activist Sanjay Kone alleged that Mantra Properties gave gifts to Pune Municipal Corporation officials; Mantra Group denied wrongdoing.
- What
- An allegation was made that expensive festival gift hampers were distributed to influence civic decisions, prompting a demand for investigations.
- Where
- Inside Pune Municipal Corporation premises and near officers’ chambers in Pune.
- When
- The allegation was reported on a Tuesday during the festival season; no specific date was provided.
- Why
- Kone said the gifts could help secure commercial benefits, including easier tender processes, irregular permissions and clearance of pending files.
Activist’s Allegations
Mantra Group’s Response
Purpose of the hampers
Activist’s Allegations
Sanjay Kone alleged that the gifts were intended to influence civic decisions and advance commercial objectives.
Mantra Group’s Response
Mantra Group said the hampers were simply gestures for friends and family during Ganeshotsav, with no improper intention.
Nature of the gifts
Activist’s Allegations
Kone described the hampers as expensive and said they included branded bags, wooden boxes and other valuables.
Mantra Group’s Response
The company said the hampers contained sweets and religious items, including an aarti kit and modaks.
Need for official action
Activist’s Allegations
Kone sought a PMC inquiry, suspension of officers who accepted gifts, legal action and an Anti-Corruption Bureau investigation.
Mantra Group’s Response
Mantra Group rejected the allegations; PMC officials had not provided a response when the article was published.
Key facts
- Complainant
- Pune-based activist Sanjay Kone
- Company named
- Mantra Properties, also referred to through a statement from Mantra Group
- Alleged recipients
- Pune Municipal Corporation officers
- Reported hamper contents
- Puja materials, bells, designer modak boxes, sweets and other items
- Requested investigation
- An Anti-Corruption Bureau probe under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
- Relevant conduct rule
- Rule 12 of the Maharashtra Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1979
- Company response
- Mantra Group said the hampers were festival gestures containing sweets and religious items, and called the allegations false
- PMC response
- Pune Municipal Corporation officials had not responded before publication
Quotes
Sanjay Kone
Pune-based activist who made the allegations against Mantra Properties and sought an investigation
“This practice amounts to direct encouragement to corruption. If no action is taken, we will launch a strong agitation.”
freepressjournal.in
Mantra Group spokesperson
Representative of Mantra Group responding to the allegations
“This hamper is just a gesture and had no intention of whatever is being said around in the media.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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