Manhandling of officer halts work at CFC

PUNE: Work at the citizens' facilitation centre on the premises of the district collectorate here came to a halt after the Haveli sub-divisional officer, Avinash Hadgal, was allegedly manhandled by some people, including a senior BJP worker, Jayant Bhave, son Thursday afternoon. The Bund Garden police had to rush to the spot to control the situation.
The CFC has been witnessing heavy rush in the last few weeks.A large number of students and parents have been visiting the centre to obtain various certificates like domicile, nationality, caste, creamy layer, etc, which are needed to secure admission in professional courses.
Hadgal, who is in charge of the CFC, said, "There was a heavy rush at the centre since morning. We had deputed two women staff near the main door to assist and applicants. When the rush increased, it became difficult for the staff to control the crowd. Soon after, some people started shouting and tried to enter the office forcefully. I tried to speak with them and urged them not to create nuisance. However, they caught me and pushed me around."
"Bhave was one of them," Hadgal alleged.
Bhave said, "I was at the CFC to get a certificate. I waited there for a long time, but the staff failed to issue the certificate. When I questioned Hadgal about the delay, he tried to hold my hand".
BJP city unit president Vikas Mathkari, who visited the centre after the incident took place, said many applications have been pending with the CFC. "Despite repeated requests, no steps are being taken to increase the staff and provide prompt services. The certificates are to be acquired within a stipulated time period. There is unrest among applicants because of the delay in disbursement of documents," he said.
Resident deputy district collector Anil Pawar said a complaint has been registered with the Bund Garden police station. More staff have been deployed to clear pending applications.