The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation is set to file a police case against individuals responsible for circulating a misleading social media video related to a recent anti-encroachment drive in the Seven Hills area of the city.
Commissioner Orders Review After Viral Video
Municipal Commissioner Amol Yedage on Saturday ordered a review after a viral video alleged that the civic body had destroyed the livelihood of a differently-abled woman during the anti-encroachment drive. Officials confirmed that an inquiry found the claims to be false.
Background of the Anti-Encroachment Drive
The controversy erupted after a demolition drive conducted last week by the municipal corporation's anti-encroachment department from Seven Hills to Shahnurmiya Dargah Chowk. During this drive, pot sellers were removed from footpaths near Fransalian School and nearby government offices. Officials stated that the encroachments had been causing inconvenience to pedestrians and disrupting traffic flow.
Misleading Video Surfaces
Shortly after the drive, a video appeared on social media showing a differently-abled woman gathering broken earthen pots, with claims that her livelihood had been destroyed by the civic action. The video drew widespread criticism of the municipal administration.
Inquiry Reveals Truth
Acting on the matter, Encroachment Control Officer Santosh Vahule visited the site and conducted an inquiry. Officials revealed that the investigation found the woman was not involved in the pot-selling business and instead survives by begging near the Gajanan Maharaj temple.
Civic officials alleged that the woman was exploited in the video to spread misinformation and tarnish the administration's image. Her family members, including her mother and sister, also expressed anger over the circulation of the allegedly misleading video, officials added.
Legal Action and Welfare Measures
The municipal corporation has initiated steps to file a police complaint against those responsible for creating and circulating the deceptive video.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Yedage directed officials to provide financial assistance to the woman by enrolling her in a municipal welfare scheme for differently-abled citizens. Under this scheme, she is expected to receive a monthly allowance of approximately Rs 3,500. Officials noted that this support aims to ensure she does not have to rely on begging for survival.
