**Victims of SC/ST Act in Raigad Denied Compensation, Allege Misconduct by Assistant Commissioner Sunil Jadhav**
Raigad, Maharashtra – May 08, 2025: Victims of atrocities under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, in Raigad district have raised serious allegations against the Social Welfare Department, claiming they have been denied rightful compensation as mandated by government rules and the notification issued on April 23, 2016. At the center of the controversy is Assistant Commissioner Sunil Jadhav, who is accused of failing to follow prescribed guidelines, misguiding victims about the relief fund, and delaying disbursements for over five years.
The SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, along with its rules and subsequent amendments, ensures that victims of caste-based atrocities receive timely financial assistance and rehabilitation. The government notification of April 23, 2016, further streamlined the process, mandating district authorities to disburse compensation within a stipulated timeframe, ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹8,25,000 depending on the nature of the offense. However, victims in Raigad allege that these provisions have been blatantly ignored by the Social Welfare Department under Jadhav’s oversight.
### Victims Left in Limbo
Several victims, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to fear of retaliation, claimed that their applications for compensation have been pending for years. “We were promised relief funds to help us recover from the trauma and financial losses caused by atrocities, but the Social Welfare Department has done nothing but give us false assurances,” said one victim. Another complainant alleged that Jadhav personally misguided them about eligibility criteria and documentation, causing unnecessary delays and, in some cases, outright denial of funds.
Activists working with SC/ST communities in Raigad have corroborated these claims, pointing to a systemic failure in the district’s Social Welfare Department. “The rules are clear—compensation must be disbursed promptly, and victims should be informed about their rights. Instead, victims are being misled and left to fend for themselves,” said a local activist. The activist further noted that the department’s inaction has disproportionately affected marginalized families, many of whom rely on the relief fund for medical treatment, legal expenses, and basic sustenance.
### Sunil Jadhav’s Prolonged Tenure Raises Eyebrows
Adding fuel to the controversy is the fact that Sunil Jadhav has remained in the same position in Raigad’s Social Welfare Department for over five years, despite government regulations mandating the transfer of officers after a two-year tenure in a single office. According to the Maharashtra Government’s transfer policy, officers in administrative roles, particularly those handling sensitive departments like social welfare, are required to be rotated every two years to ensure transparency and prevent entrenched malpractices.
Sources within the department, speaking off the record, suggested that Jadhav’s extended tenure could be due to bureaucratic inertia or political influence, though no concrete evidence has surfaced to substantiate these claims. “It’s highly unusual for an officer to remain in the same post for so long, especially when there are allegations of misconduct,” said a retired government official familiar with transfer protocols. “This raises questions about oversight and accountability within the department.”
### Calls for Investigation and Accountability
Victims and activists have demanded an immediate investigation into the Social Welfare Department’s handling of SC/ST Act compensation cases in Raigad. They are calling for a high-level probe to examine why funds have not been disbursed as per the 2016 notification and to hold Sunil Jadhav accountable for alleged mismanagement. “If the officer is not following rules, he should be suspended, and an inquiry should be conducted to ensure justice for the victims,” said a community leader.
Additionally, questions are being raised about why Jadhav has not been transferred despite exceeding the two-year tenure limit. “The government must clarify why this officer continues to serve in Raigad’s Social Welfare Department. Is there a lack of oversight, or are there other factors at play?” asked an activist.
### Government Response Awaited
When contacted, officials from the Raigad Social Welfare Department declined to comment on the allegations against Jadhav or the delay in compensation disbursements. A senior official stated that the matter would be looked into, but no timeline was provided for resolution. The Maharashtra Social Justice and Special Assistance Department, which oversees SC/ST welfare programs, has also not issued a public statement on the issue.
The controversy comes at a time when the state government is under scrutiny for its implementation of welfare schemes for marginalized communities. Recent Supreme Court rulings, such as those clarifying the applicability of the SC/ST Act in cases of public caste-based abuse, have further highlighted the need for robust mechanisms to protect victims and ensure timely justice.[](https://www.ap7am.com/en/94581/supreme-court-makes-key-observations-in-scst-atrocity-case)[](https://www.livelaw.in/supreme-court/caste-based-abuse-within-chamber-of-govt-officer-when-no-one-else-was-present-not-scst-act-offence-supreme-court-282609)
### A Call for Justice
For the victims of SC/ST atrocities in Raigad, the delay in compensation is not just a bureaucratic failure but a denial of their fundamental rights. As allegations against Sunil Jadhav and the Social Welfare Department mount, the spotlight is on the Maharashtra government to take swift action—whether by expediting relief funds, investigating misconduct, or enforcing transfer policies.
The people of Raigad are watching closely, hoping that their voices will finally be heard and that justice, long delayed, will not be denied.
Author: The India News 24
TIN24 (The India News 24) The India News 24 (TIN24) is a Mumbai-based news Digital Media focusing on breaking news, local and regional issues in India, with content primarily in Marathi. It was established with an X (Twitter) presence since July 2022. Owner & News Editor: Amit Alhat Education: BA in Mass Communication Journalism (Graduate) Experience: 12 years in journalism Platforms: - Website: https://theindianews24.in - X (Twitter): https://x.com/the_indianews24 - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theindianews247 - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theindianews_24
