Mumbai: The state revenue department has suspended deputy collector Umesh Birari, who is currently posted in the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) as deputy municipal commissioner, for carrying out wrong valuation based on the sale transactions of flats instead of land parcels in Borivli when he was posted in the Mumbai suburban district as a sub-divisional officer. Birari joined TMC in 2023 and is still posted in the corporation as a DMC in charge of public relations, estates department, health and anti-encroachment.“While working as sub-divisional officer in Mumbai suburban district, he committed irregularities such as wrong valuation based on the sale transactions of flats instead of land title, not making necessary deductions for encumbered land, mentioning only the name of the developer in the award instead of the original owners, distributing the compensation amount of Rs 60.30 crore directly to the developer without the consent of the original owners,” a state govt order said.“Not following the instructions given by the superior officer regarding the completion of the contract while passing the award, declaring a revised award without the consent of the superior officer, etc. A departmental inquiry has been initiated against Umesh Birari under Rule 8 of the Maharashtra Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1979. In view of the above serious irregularities and the complexity of the matter, the above action of Birari is in violation of Rule 3(1) of the Maharashtra Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1979, the govt has decided to suspend Umesh Birari, the then sub-divisional officer, Mumbai suburban district, from govt service with immediate effect,” the order stated.“Till the present order remains in force, during the period of suspension Umesh Birari shall not leave the headquarters without the prior consent of the district collector, Thane. During the period of suspension, Umesh Birari should not accept private employment or carry on any business or trade,” the order states.The revenue department is headed by BJP minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule.
