Mira-Bhayander: The Maharashtra Animal Husbandry Commissionerate has ordered an inquiry into alleged irregularities in the dog sterilisation programme run by the Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation (MBMC). The Deputy Commissioner of Animal Husbandry will lead the investigation and submit a detailed report with recommendations to the state government.

The inquiry follows a formal complaint by Ravi Kharat, a social worker and Youth Congress spokesperson, who accused the MBMC’s veterinary department of corruption and administrative lapses. Central to the allegations is the reappointment of a contractor whose previous term expired in December 2024 and who had allegedly failed to deliver effective sterilisation outcomes.

“There has been a blatant failure in controlling the stray dog population,” Kharat said. “The sterilisation numbers exist only on paper, while stray numbers keep rising.”

Kharat further alleged that the sterilisation contract was awarded to the Prataprao Rane Social Educational Trust, which lacked the necessary experience and credentials. He claimed the tender conditions were altered to benefit the trust, compromising transparency.

A site visit to the Uttan-based sterilisation centre on 10 February 2025 revealed disturbing irregularities. Kharat claimed several employees were Nepalese nationals, and one, identified as Tappi Bohra, was allegedly under the influence of alcohol while on duty.

Efforts to meet the assigned veterinary surgeons were unsuccessful, and supervising officer Dr Vikram Niratle was found absent from both the site and MBMC headquarters.

According to Kharat, key veterinary officers Dr Mayur and Dr Mohan, listed as active project participants, were also absent. Instead, supervisor Ashok Sharma was seen escorting the inebriated worker back inside after he began disclosing internal irregularities.

Requests for surgical footage and CCTV recordings were denied, with officials claiming the footage auto-deletes after 45 days, a justification Kharat called “convenient.”

He also revealed that only a clerk and a security guard at the centre were permanent MBMC employees; the rest were privately hired, raising questions about operational integrity and oversight. The sterilisation centre has reportedly remained shut since 5 April, and Dr Niratle is now directing pet owners to his private clinic in Golden Nest.

Kharat has demanded the cancellation of the contractor’s licence, verification of all sterilisation records and video documentation, and legal action against both the trust and the involved MBMC officers.

“This isn’t just about animal welfare, it’s about misuse of public funds under the guise of civic duty,” Kharat said.

Supporting documents, including formal complaints and media clippings, have been submitted to the state government. The inquiry aims to establish accountability and determine if criminal or administrative action is warranted.