📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Moreshwar101
Religion
Three Thane Officials Suspended Over Navratri Mismanagement
✍️ Amar Ujala · Maharashtra
🗓 24 Oct 2026, 04:15 AM
👁 9
The Maharashtra government has suspended three senior officials in Thane for alleged mismanagement of the Navratri celebrations, citing procedural lapses and public safety concerns.
Thane district officials were placed on suspension on Monday after a probe revealed significant lapses in the organization of the Navratri festivities. The inquiry, ordered by the state Home Department, found that the officials failed to ensure adequate crowd control, proper lighting, and compliance with safety norms, leading to several complaints from residents and pilgrims.
According to the department's report, the shortcomings resulted in traffic congestion, noise disturbances, and minor injuries among participants. The suspended officers include the District Collector, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, and the senior municipal officer responsible for event permits.
The state government has directed an immediate audit of all upcoming religious events in Maharashtra to prevent similar incidents. Meanwhile, the suspended officials will remain on leave pending further disciplinary action, and a senior task force has been appointed to oversee the remainder of the Navratri program.
Local civic groups welcomed the decision, urging authorities to prioritize public safety and transparent coordination in future celebrations. The Home Department has promised to release the full findings of the investigation in the coming weeks.
According to the department's report, the shortcomings resulted in traffic congestion, noise disturbances, and minor injuries among participants. The suspended officers include the District Collector, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, and the senior municipal officer responsible for event permits.
The state government has directed an immediate audit of all upcoming religious events in Maharashtra to prevent similar incidents. Meanwhile, the suspended officials will remain on leave pending further disciplinary action, and a senior task force has been appointed to oversee the remainder of the Navratri program.
Local civic groups welcomed the decision, urging authorities to prioritize public safety and transparent coordination in future celebrations. The Home Department has promised to release the full findings of the investigation in the coming weeks.