CSMC to initiate legal action over misleading video on Seven Hills anti-encroachment drive

Lokmat News Network Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

Taking cognisance of a video circulated on social media accusing the civic administration of treating a differently-abled woman unfairly during an anti-encroachment drive, the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation (CSMC) Commissioner Amol Yedge ordered an inquiry into the matter. The investigation revealed that the claims made in the video were misleading and untrue, as the woman featured in it had no connection with the earthen pot sellers affected by the drive. Subsequently, Yedge extended assistance to help her live the rest of her life with dignity.

Last week, the civic body carried out an anti-encroachment drive between Seven Hills and Shahnoormiyan Dargah, removing encroachments by earthen pot sellers from footpaths near Fransalian School and in front of government offices in the Seven Hills area. The encroachments were reportedly causing inconvenience to pedestrians and obstructing traffic movement.

Following the drive, a video was circulated on social media allegedly portraying the civic action in a negative light. According to civic sources, the video showed a differently-abled woman picking up broken earthen pots while claiming that her livelihood depended on selling them and that the municipal corporation had treated her unjustly.

Taking serious note of the matter, Commissioner Amol Yedge directed the coordinating officer of the anti-encroachment section, Santosh Wahule, to visit the spot and verify the facts. During the inquiry, it was confirmed that the woman had no association with the pot-selling business and had allegedly been used in the video to spread misinformation.

It is learnt that the woman’s mother and sister also expressed anger over the misleading video. The inquiry further revealed that the woman earns her livelihood by begging near the Gajanan Maharaj Temple.

The municipal corporation has initiated legal proceedings against those responsible for creating and circulating the misleading video.

Livelihood assistance for the differently-abled woman

Considering her poor financial condition, Commissioner Yedge directed officials to include the woman under the municipal corporation’s Livelihood Assistance Scheme for differently-abled persons. Under the scheme, she will receive a monthly allowance of approximately Rs 3,500, ensuring that she no longer has to depend on begging for survival.