BMC Takes Action Against Senior Official Following Investment Controversy
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken decisive action against one of its senior officials, sending Assistant Municipal Commissioner Mahesh Patil on a one-month compulsory leave. This development comes in response to serious allegations of improper involvement in a Bandra redevelopment project that have rocked Mumbai's civic administration.
Patil, who currently serves as the in-charge of S ward covering the Bhandup area, faces accusations of advising an NRI resident to make cash investments in the Bandra redevelopment scheme. The allegations suggest promises of substantial returns were made to lure potential investors.
The Detailed Allegations and Official Response
According to the formal complaint filed by the NRI resident, the situation involves concerning investment advice. The complainant alleged that Patil directly recommended investing in the Bandra project using cash payments. Even more troubling was the additional claim that investors who paid 100% of the amount in advance were promised significantly higher profits compared to those making partial payments.
The NRI resident submitted his written complaint to multiple high-ranking officials, including the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, the State Director General of Police, and the Mumbai Police Commissioner. This multi-level approach indicates the seriousness with which the complainant viewed the allegations.
A senior BMC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that an official inquiry into these allegations is currently underway. The decision to send Patil on compulsory leave was described as a preventive measure to ensure the investigation proceeds without any potential interference or disruption.
Patil's Strong Denial and Legal Counter
Assistant Commissioner Mahesh Patil has vehemently denied all allegations leveled against him. In his response to the controversy, Patil characterized the accusations as completely false, baseless, and fabricated. He maintains his innocence and claims the allegations have no foundation in truth.
Demonstrating his intent to challenge the claims legally, Patil revealed that he has already sent a legal notice to the complainant. This notice specifically demands that the NRI resident provide concrete evidence to support his allegations. Patil emphasized that despite sending the legal notice, he has not received any response or evidence from the complainant so far.
The official's professional background shows extensive experience within the BMC system. Prior to his current posting in S ward (Bhandup), Patil previously served as assistant commissioner in several important wards including P-North (Malad), E (Byculla), and F-South (Parel). This diverse experience across multiple wards makes the current allegations particularly significant within Mumbai's civic circles.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Developments
This case has drawn attention to investment practices in Mumbai's lucrative redevelopment sector, especially concerning the involvement of public officials. The BMC's prompt action in sending Patil on leave demonstrates the administration's recognition of the seriousness of the allegations.
As the inquiry progresses, all eyes will be on the investigation team to determine the validity of the claims. The outcome could have significant implications for how the BMC regulates its officials' involvement in private investment matters, particularly in the high-stakes real estate redevelopment sector that sees substantial foreign investment from NRIs.
The month-long compulsory leave provides investigators with uninterrupted access to documents and witnesses while ensuring that the official's regular duties in Bhandup ward continue under alternative arrangements. The Mumbai municipal administration faces the challenge of balancing a fair investigation with maintaining normal civic operations in the affected ward.
