The civic body in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar demolished the house and office of AIMIM corporator Mateen Patel in Naregaon on Wednesday, in connection with the TCS sexual harassment and religious coercion case. Another house, allegedly used by a TCS staffer for five days before her arrest, was also razed. The operation began around 6:15 am under tight security, with 105 police personnel, including three assistant commissioners and five inspectors, deployed. Nearly 100 civic staffers, aided by 10 JCBs, Hywa trucks, and emergency services, moved in to flatten the structures.
Political Reactions and Crowdfunding
AIMIM state chief Imtiaz Jaleel called the demolition an "injustice" and announced a crowdfunding campaign to rebuild Patel's house and office. The demolition sparked a bitter war of words between AIMIM workers and members of the ruling parties. Following Jaleel's appeal, Patel's family members and local residents greeted the demolition squad with what they called "Gandhigiri" — showering flowers and offering a copy of the Constitution. Police intervened and prevented them from garlanding demolition chief Santosh Wahule.
Neighboring Shop Also Demolished
Anger simmered after a neighboring building material shop was also razed during the drive. Owner Amjad Khan alleged that despite possessing valid permissions under the Gunthewari regularisation scheme, his structure was unlawfully demolished. "Despite showing them the regularisation permission documents, the squad demolished my shop. I have suffered huge financial losses," Khan told TOI, claiming losses exceeding Rs 20 lakh in a written complaint to municipal commissioner Amol Yedage.
Contempt of Court Allegations
Patel's counsel, advocate Abhaysinh Bhosle, called the action "contempt of court," citing assurances given before the Bombay High Court's Aurangabad bench just a day earlier. "The civic body had made a statement before the High Court on Tuesday it would not take any action till the next date of hearing. Despite this, the demolition was carried out. We will seek action against the civic body and its officials," Bhosle said.
Selective Targeting Alleged
Jaleel alleged the demolition was a diversionary tactic linked to an ongoing criminal case under investigation by Nashik and Ahilyanagar police, and questioned the authorities' "selective targeting." The political uproar continues as the matter is expected to be taken up in court.
