Current and former Kolhapur civil surgeon suspended over ‘red diary’ case at CPR Hospital

Kolhapur: Suspension orders for Kolhapur district surgeon Dr Prashant Wadikar and his predecessor, Dr Supriya Deshmukh, were issued late on Friday night after a three-member committee found them guilty in its investigation into the "red diary" case at the Chhatrapati Pramila Raje (CPR) Hospital. The orders were issued by the public health department's executive officer, Neil Kumeria.On Dec 8, 2025, Shiv Sena (UBT) office-bearers had conducted a sting operation and protested against financial transactions taking place in the surgeon's office to approve medical bills. At the time, a red diary was found in the surgeon's office.Shiv Sena (UBT) deputy leader Sanjay Pawar said, "We found a red-coloured diary in the drawer of the cell located on the first floor of the civil surgeon's office. It mentioned the amount on the bills submitted and the amount charged from the applicant to sign the file, only upon which the bills, usually 3% of the total bill amount, were cleared. There are around 62 pages of similar details. We had asked what transaction the amounts recorded in this diary were for. However, the then district surgeon was unable to give a satisfactory answer, leading to confusion over the amount."The repercussions of the matter were also felt in the winter session of the state legislative assembly. Against this backdrop, health minister Prakash Abitkar appointed a three-member inquiry committee — comprising Dr Dilip Mane, deputy director of health, Dr Sanjay Ranveer, deputy director (malaria) department, and Dr Dipak Varak, the civil surgeon from Sangli — which conducted a 15-day inquiry into the financial transactions of the surgeon's office.The files were checked, and it was found that some records were not in accordance with the govt rules. The reason for making these records was that those who had the authority to do so obtained them from two other ward attendants, and a Class IV employee was assisting them during the investigation; however, the ultimate responsibility lay with both the civil surgeons. Therefore, action was taken as they are accountable.Dr Dilip Mane said, "Orders regarding suspension of both the district surgeons (current and former) were received late on Friday night.Meanwhile, the inquiry committee, in its report, has also recommended the transfer of two wardens in this case. Accordingly, further decisions are likely to be taken at the level of the deputy director of health. Also, the decision regarding another employee is pending.