• Source:JND
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A major administrative action was seen on Wednesday in the TCS Nashik sexual harassment and forced conversion case of Maharashtra as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar Municipal Corporation (CSMC) demolished the illegal parts of residence and office of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) councilor Matin Patel. 

Patel is also facing potential disqualification from the municipal corporation. The action was taken against Matin Patel after serious allegations were made against him of illegally sheltering the main accused in this case, Nida Khan, in his premises for several days.

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar Mayor Samir Rajurkar had indicated three days ago that Matin Patel's properties were being investigated. If found to be illegal, action would be taken.

Around 6:15 AM on Wednesday, the municipal corporation's anti-encroachment squad arrived in the Kausar Bagh area of Naregaon with three JCB machines and a heavy police force.

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Massive deployment to contain potential violence

More than 100 municipal officials and a heavy police presence were deployed in the area to deal with any potential protests and law and order situation.

As part of the action, Matin Patel's illegal construction, including a nearly 600-square-foot residence, office, and a few commercial shops, was completely demolished.

Show-cause notice issued on Saturday

Mayor Samir Rajurkar and anti-encroachment department head Santosh Vahule said a show-cause notice was issued to Matin Patel on Saturday regarding unauthorised construction on his properties.

He was asked to submit valid documents related to building permission and ownership within 72 hours.

The demolition was undertaken after he failed to submit a satisfactory response or documentation within the stipulated timeframe and failing to receive immediate relief from the local court.

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Council membership at stake

Matin Patel also faces the threat of having his councilor membership revoked for concealing information about illegal construction and submitting a false affidavit during the election.

Nashik Crime Branch has booked him under Section 249 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for assisting, sheltering, and harbouring a fugitive.

As per Section 10 of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporations Act (MMC Act), a corporator can only lose eligibility upon a final criminal conviction for serious offenses or those involving 'moral turpitude'.


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