Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation Demolishes Illegal Constructions Linked to AIMIM Councillor

Demolition of Illegal Structures in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation took action on Wednesday by demolishing alleged illegal constructions at the residence and other properties of AIMIM councillor Mateen Patel. Authorities reported that Patel is accused of providing shelter to Nida Khan, who is implicated in the Nashik TCS case.

Nida Khan was apprehended on May 7 in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, with police asserting that Patel had harbored her. On May 9, the municipal corporation issued a notice regarding the illegal constructions at Patel's properties located in the Naregaon area, demanding an explanation within 72 hours. The notice warned that failure to respond would empower the corporation to make decisions regarding the properties.

Subsequently, Patel sought a stay order from the court, but his request was denied. Mayor Sameer Rajurkar informed a news media outlet that municipal staff, under police protection, proceeded to demolish the illegal structures at Patel's home, office, and several shops on Wednesday morning.

Earlier, on Tuesday night, former AIMIM MP Imtiaz Jaleel met with Patel's family in Naregaon, criticizing the municipal corporation for rushing the demolition. Addressing supporters, Jaleel stated, 'We requested the court for an additional week, yet the corporation is hasty in demolishing. This is a challenging time for all of us, but after the demolition, we will build a home for Mateen and his family that the entire nation will see.'

Mayor Rajurkar also mentioned on Monday that the process to revoke Patel's council membership would commence following a review of the documents. He remarked, 'If Patel has engaged in illegal activities, his municipal membership should be annulled.'

Action has been initiated under the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act, which stipulates that no information should be concealed in the nomination papers for municipal elections. Nida Khan faces allegations related to the religious conversion and sexual harassment of several female colleagues at the Nashik TCS office. Patel has also been implicated in providing refuge to Khan.

The Nashik police's Special Investigation Team (SIT) is currently investigating nine cases of tampering and harassment linked to the IT company's Nashik unit. TCS has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards any form of harassment or coercion, stating that employees involved in the sexual harassment allegations at the Nashik office have been suspended.