Hello Mumbai Maharashtra Desk
Departmental Inquiry Initiated Against Vandana Suryavanshi over ₹49.31 Crore Revenue Loss
Mumbai 14 July 2026:
A departmental inquiry has been initiated against Vandana Suryavanshi, the current Additional Collector and Joint Chief Executive Officer of MHADA, following orders from Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule. The inquiry pertains to a decision made during her tenure as the Stamp District Collector of Mumbai, which allegedly caused a staggering loss of ₹49.31 crores to the state exchequer.
According to the departmental inquiry order, while serving as the Stamp District Collector, Suryavanshi was required to determine the market value of a property in accordance with the provisions of the Stamp Act. However, she allegedly executed an incorrect valuation. This negligence led to a direct loss of ₹49.31 crores to the government, leading to charges of dereliction of duty, misuse of power, and conduct unbecoming of a public servant. The order explicitly states that her actions violated the Maharashtra Civil Services (Conduct) Rules.
Brief Fact of the Case
RTI Activist Sanket Nalawade’s Pursuit Yields Results; Government Acts Following Issue Raised by MLA Sunil Prabhu in Assembly
The matter came to light following Information obtained and documents provided by RTI activist Sanket Nalawade formed the basis of issues raised by MLA Sunil Prabhu during the Final Week Motion in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly concerning former Collector of Stamps and Deputy Chief Officer of MHADA, *Vandana Suryavanshi.
Following the matter being highlighted in the Assembly by Shivsena UT MLA Sunil Prabhu,Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule directed the Revenue and Forest Department to take action. Subsequently, the department issued orders terminating Ms. Suryavanshi’s deputation and directing her to report back to the Revenue Department on July 13, 2026.
The issues raised in the Assembly reportedly included alleged loss of government revenue, an ongoing departmental inquiry, and the implementation of government transfer orders. The government communication further stated that the concerned officer must comply with the directions within the stipulated time frame, failing which disciplinary proceedings may be initiated in accordance with applicable service rules.
The development is being viewed as a significant outcome of the follow-up efforts undertaken by MLA Sunil Prabhu in the Assembly, while the sustained pursuit of the matter by RTI activist Sanket Nalawade has also drawn attention in political and administrative circles. Observers believe that the action reinforces the principles of administrative accountability and transparency in public administration.
How the Case Opened and Investigation
The matter came to light following an audit by an inspection team from the office of the Inspector General of Registration and Controller of Stamps, Pune. The initial inspection of the Mumbai Stamp District Collector’s office revealed a short-levy of stamp duty amounting to ₹67 crores and 74 lakh rupees. However, upon a formal review under Section 53A of the Stamp Act, the final calculated deficit—and subsequent revenue loss—was established at ₹49.31 crores.
Assistant Town Planner Prakash Mule also under Scrutiny
The scope of the investigation has widened to include other officials involved in the decision-making process. Orders for a departmental inquiry have also been issued against Prakash Mule, who was serving as the Assistant Town Planner at the time.
Vandana Suryavanshi issues her Clarification :
”Case is 14 Years Old”—Vandana Suryavanshi Defends Actions
Reacting to the development, Vandana Suryavanshi stated:
“This matter dates back to 2012, making it a 14-year-old case. The department had initially given me a 10-day deadline to submit my response, but I have requested an extension. I will definitely respond to the notice issued to me. Furthermore, this is a quasi-judicial matter, and there are specific Supreme Court rulings stating that departmental inquiries cannot be initiated in such cases.”
