The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation (CSMC) has served a notice to AIMIM corporator Mateen Patel regarding alleged unauthorised constructions, including a residential property that reportedly sheltered a staffer accused in the Nashik TCS sexual harassment and religious conversion case. The notice was issued on Saturday evening and pertains to three structures located in Naregaon and Kausar Park.
Details of the Notice
The CSMC's anti-encroachment department has stated that the constructions are prima facie illegal. Santosh Wahule, head of the section, said, 'The AIMIM corporator has been asked to submit in writing why such structures should not be removed. If a written response is not received within three days, the matter will be disposed of unilaterally.'
Background of the Case
The development comes a day after police named Patel as an accused on May 8 for allegedly sheltering the TCS employee, who was arrested in connection with a sexual harassment and alleged religious conversion case in Nashik. The residential unit in question is believed to have accommodated the absconding accused.
Political Reactions
Patel could not be reached for comment. However, some AIMIM functionaries have questioned the timing of the civic action. A local AIMIM politician, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, 'The alleged illegal structures did not come up overnight. Acting on the instructions of politicians from the party in government, the civic authorities are acting with a motive to target Patel.'
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi had earlier stated that the corporator would contest the matter legally, maintaining that the party leadership was not aware of the developments related to the case. The CSMC has given Patel a three-day deadline to respond, after which it may proceed with removal of the structures.
