THANE: Shankar Patole, the deputy commissioner of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), along with local resident Omkar Gaikar, were arrested by the Mumbai Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) late Wednesday for allegedly accepting a bribe from a developer. The Thane court has remanded them to police custody until October 4.
Patole, who heads the TMC’s anti-encroachment unit, was reportedly caught in his office just hours after the civic body celebrated its 43rd foundation day.
The ACB took action based on a complaint from a Mumbai-based real estate developer, accusing Patole of demanding a bribe to facilitate the clearance of illegal encroachments on his property in old Thane. It is alleged that a partial amount was paid via an intermediary, Sushant Surve, who is currently absconding.
Patole and Gaikar were apprehended while accepting the remaining bribe in Patole’s office at the civic headquarters. The ACB conducted over five hours of questioning, reviewed documents, and subsequently filed an FIR under the Prevention of Corruption Act at the Naupada police station.
As Patole was taken away on Wednesday night, several activists staged a symbolic protest, showering him with sweets and flower petals to draw attention to what they claim is systemic corruption. Furthermore, state minister Yogesh Kadam canceled a scheduled Navratri event in Thane later that night.
This arrest has sparked political speculation, reigniting discussions surrounding a viral video from last year, which showed a retired official counting cash in TMC offices, thus raising concerns about entrenched corruption within the corporation.
The arrests come shortly after the Bombay High Court’s observations regarding illegal construction within TMC jurisdiction.
