Mumbai: Ahead of the crucial municipal elections, Bhiwandi’s political atmosphere has turned tense after police registered a case against former mayor Vilas Patil, his son Mayuresh Patil, and three others over alleged attempts to sway voters using public infrastructure promises.
The case was filed at Nizampura Police Station following a complaint by civic authorities, who reportedly found road construction material being unloaded in an area where election-related restrictions are currently in force. Officials believe the activity was carried out to project immediate “development work” and influence voters during the ongoing election period.
The issue came to light after Ward Committee No. 5 officials conducted a spot inspection. During questioning, a contractor present at the site allegedly told officials that the road-related work had been initiated on instructions from Vilas Patil and his son. Based on the on-ground findings and the contractor’s statement, police registered an FIR against Vilas Patil, Mayuresh Patil, Irfan Ansari, Zaheeruddin Ansari and Abdul Razzaq Beg.
Election officials have termed the alleged act a serious breach of the Model Code of Conduct, stressing that announcing or starting public works during polls amounts to voter inducement. The police have begun a detailed probe to establish the chain of responsibility and the intent behind the activity.
