Maharashtra News: Fisheries Official Suspended for Faking Illness to Travel Abroad Amid Leave Ban

Faking illness to go on a foreign trip has backfired for P.D. Jagtap, the Assistant Commissioner of Fisheries in Nashik, as he has been suspended with immediate effect. Jagtap reportedly misled his superiors by applying for medical leave citing health issues, only to be discovered vacationing abroad during a time of national emergency.

State Minister for Fisheries and Port Development, Nitesh Rane, had earlier warned officials and staff of strict action for any dereliction of duty, especially during the tense situation the country is currently facing. In light of this, all leaves for department staff had been canceled.

Despite this, Jagtap, while reportedly attending a government duty at the Igatpuri Court, claimed to have suffered a sugar-related health issue that caused dizziness and required a brief hospital visit. He then submitted a casual leave application for half a day to the regional office in Nashik, citing poor health. However, it was later revealed that he had, in fact, traveled abroad.

The investigation found that Jagtap had defied orders, neglected his duties, remained absent without approval, and misled his superiors — serious violations that prompted immediate disciplinary action.

Minister Nitesh Rane ordered Jagtap’s suspension without delay. As per the suspension order, Jagtap is prohibited from leaving the headquarters without prior written permission from the Regional Deputy Commissioner of Fisheries in Nagpur, and his headquarters will now be considered Chandrapur.

It is also worth noting that Jagtap had previously faced action from the Anti-Corruption Bureau on two occasions. Minister Rane has directed an internal departmental inquiry into the matter, stating that if found guilty, Jagtap may face dismissal from service.