Datia Collector Suspends Patwari on Spot for Negligence, Emphasizes Serving Public, Not Politicians

Datia, Madhya Pradesh: In a decisive display of administrative authority, Datia Collector Swapnil Wankhede suspended a patwari on the spot for misleading him during a public hearing, stating that government officials are meant to serve the people, not politicians. The incident, captured on video and now going viral on social media, has sparked widespread attention.

Incident at Basai
Collector Wankhede, accompanied by administrative officers, traveled 80 km to Basai for a public hearing at Sandipani School. Patwari Satyendra Sharma appeared before the Collector regarding a complaint about a drainage (nali) issue. While other officials and police officers confirmed the existence of the drainage, the patwari denied it, reportedly under political pressure. Enraged by the patwari’s false claim, the Collector immediately ordered his suspension, instructing the SDM to formalize it and conduct a departmental inquiry.

Strong Words from the Collector
Collector Wankhede remarked, “We do not need officials who work for politicians. We need people who work for the public.” He instructed the tehsildar to straighten the misaligned drainage immediately or face suspension as well. The patwari was told in no uncertain terms that he would not continue in his job due to negligence and failure to serve the community.

Background of the Complaint
The drainage construction in Basai had long-standing issues, as houses built too close to the road forced the drainage to be constructed at an angle. Residents have repeatedly complained, including during the Collector’s previous visit on 16 July 2025. During Wednesday’s public hearing, local resident Shreya, daughter of Dinesh Lakhera, submitted a complaint about illegal construction affecting her property. Several residents accused Patwari Sharma of failing to perform his duties adequately, prompting the Collector’s strict action.

Public and Social Media Reaction
The video of the Collector’s stern action and immediate suspension of the patwari has gone viral on social media, earning praise for his hands-on approach and commitment to public service.