The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation on Wednesday demolished alleged illegal structures linked to AIMIM corporator Matin Patel in the city’s Naregaon area. The action was carried out amid tight police security and followed days of political controversy surrounding Patel.
According to civic officials, portions of Patel’s residence, office space, and several commercial shops were razed during the drive. Authorities claimed the constructions violated municipal regulations.
Action follows arrest of Nida Khan
Patel recently came under the spotlight after police alleged that he had sheltered Nida Khan, an accused in the Nashik TCS case. Khan was arrested in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on May 7.
Soon after the arrest, the municipal corporation issued a notice to Patel on May 9 regarding alleged unauthorised constructions on his properties. The notice sought a reply within 72 hours and warned of further action if an explanation was not submitted.
Officials said the demolition was initiated after the civic body completed the required legal process.
Court refuses to stay demolition drive
Patel had approached the court seeking relief against the demolition proceedings. However, no interim stay was granted, allowing the municipal corporation to proceed with the action on Wednesday morning.
Mayor Sameer Rajurkar said the civic administration acted as per the law and that officials were also examining documents related to Patel’s civic membership and property declarations.
He had earlier stated that if any irregularities were found in documents submitted during election nominations, action could be taken under the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act.
Imtiaz Jaleel accuses civic body of acting in haste
On Tuesday night, former AIMIM MP Imtiaz Jaleel visited Patel’s family in Naregaon and criticised the demolition process.
Addressing supporters, Jaleel said the family had requested more time from the court and accused the municipal corporation of rushing the action. He also assured Patel’s family of support following the demolition.
The demolition has triggered political reactions in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, with AIMIM leaders questioning the timing of the civic action, while municipal officials have maintained that the drive targeted illegal constructions only.
