Deepak Pawar, the husband of independent candidate Tejal Pawar, has made serious allegations against the Mumbai police. He claims that two men were externed from the area due to political pressure. These men were reportedly supporting Pawar and his wife in the Ward 226 election contest.
Allegations of Political Pressure
Tejal Pawar is running as an independent candidate from Ward 226, which covers the Sassoon Docks area. She faces BJP candidate Makarand Narwekar in this electoral battle. Her husband, Deepak Pawar, states that the police action targets his workers and community members.
"They are trying to pressurise us by externing my workers and members of my community," Pawar alleged. He insisted that the externed individuals do not have criminal backgrounds. According to him, the police took this step because these men were seen supporting his wife's campaign.
The Externed Individuals Speak
One of the externed persons is Santosh Chavan. Police officials claim Chavan belongs to a gang that threatened citizens, traders, and hawkers. However, Chavan strongly denies these allegations.
"I am not involved with or accused of any serious crime," Chavan stated. He explained that only a single non-cognisable offence complaint exists against him. Chavan described himself as a law-abiding citizen who has been fighting illegal constructions.
"From January last year, I have been pursuing action against illegal constructions carried out in a gully on MBPT land," Chavan said. "The BMC has accepted that the construction is illegal. However, no action has been initiated so far."
Chavan believes the externment action falsely connects him to a gang. "I have no connection with such a group," he asserted. He also mentioned that two other externed individuals have no FIRs registered against them.
Political Denials and Police Defense
BJP candidate Makarand Narwekar completely rejected the allegations. He emphasized that externment actions require proper legal grounds.
"An externment action is taken because of an act of the person and there must be a good reason for it," Narwekar explained. "It cannot be done because of someone's whims and fancies. If the externment action is not as per law, police are answerable."
Police Procedure Followed
A Colaba police station officer provided details about the externment process. The officer stated that proper procedures were followed in this case.
"A proper hearing was conducted by the assistant commissioner of police, and then the DCP approved the externment," the officer said. "Each member is given a chance to explain their side during the hearing. The evidence is also examined. All procedures were followed."
The police maintain that the externment resulted from legitimate concerns about public safety. They stand by their decision despite the political controversy surrounding it.
Background of the Accused
Santosh Chavan has contested elections in the past, adding another layer to this political story. His involvement in local issues, particularly against illegal constructions, appears to have drawn attention.
Chavan claims that a false complaint led to the non-cognisable offence registered against him in October last year. He connects this complaint to persons associated with the encroacher he was opposing.
Deepak Pawar continues to defend Chavan's character. "Chavan is not an anti-social element," Pawar insisted, maintaining that the externment represents political intimidation rather than legitimate law enforcement.
The Ward 226 election in Mumbai's Sassoon Docks area has thus become embroiled in controversy. Allegations of political pressure clash with claims of proper police procedure, creating a complex situation just as voters prepare to make their choice.
