Latur: A Maharashtra revenue officer has been suspended after a video showing him singing a popular Bollywood song while seated in his official chair during a farewell function went viral, drawing criticism for unprofessional conduct.
Prashant Thorat, then tehsildar of Umri in Nanded district, was filmed enthusiastically performing the 1981 Kishore Kumar hit 'Tere Jaisa Yaar Kahan' (from the film 'Yaarana') from the Taluka Magistrate's chair at his send-off event on August 8. Staff members were seen clapping along as Thorat sang the retro number.
Thorat, who was transferred to Renapur tehsil in neighbouring Latur district, was relieved from Umri on July 30 and assumed his new post the same day. Both districts fall under the Marathwada division.
The viral clip sparked widespread disapproval, with many citizens and officials condemning the act as inappropriate for a government officer holding a responsible position. Following the outcry, the Nanded District Collector investigated the incident and submitted a report to senior authorities.
The report concluded that Thorat's actions during the official function violated the Maharashtra Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1979, and brought disrepute to the administration. Based on these findings, Divisional Commissioner of Revenue Jitendra Papalkar, headquartered in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, issued Thorat's suspension order on Saturday.