Maharashtra: Nine Contract Employees Sacked After Video Shows Them Admitting to Bribe Demands

Nanded, 30th October 2025: The Nanded Zilla Parishad administration has dismissed nine contract employees after a video surfaced showing them confessing to taking bribes from beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). The video, which went viral on social media, also captured BJP MLA Rajesh Pawar making the officials take an oath to refrain from corruption in the future.

Nanded ZP Chief Executive Officer Kavali Meghna confirmed the action on Wednesday, saying, “We had earlier received complaints of bribery, but there was no substantial proof. This video clearly establishes their involvement, and hence, we have terminated their services with immediate effect. An inquiry has also been initiated against other officials suspected of being part of the malpractice.”

According to district sources, the sacked employees include junior engineers and operators attached to the Rural Development Department. They were allegedly demanding money from PMAY beneficiaries in exchange for clearing files and releasing housing instalments.

Upon learning about the alleged irregularities, MLA Rajesh Pawar visited the Zilla Parishad office along with several affected beneficiaries and confronted the staff on camera. In the video, the employees are seen admitting to accepting money and later taking an oath, administered by Pawar, promising not to repeat such acts.

Reacting to the incident, MLA Pawar said, “This is not just about corruption, but about exploiting poor families who deserve their rightful benefits under the housing scheme. I will raise this issue in the upcoming assembly session and submit a detailed report to the Chief Minister and the Rural Development Minister.”

The viral video has sparked outrage among citizens and political circles, with demands for stricter monitoring of PMAY implementation across rural Maharashtra.