Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
A total of 23 complaints have so far been received against newly elected corporators of the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation (CSMC) following the recent civic elections. The complaints include allegations relating to a third child, unauthorised constructions, encroachments and submission of false affidavits. The CSMC’s town planning section has initiated inquiries into cases concerning encroachments and unauthorised constructions. A report will be submitted to municipal commissioner G Sreekanth. Sources said that if the complaints are found to have merit, the civic chief will take a decision regarding cancellation of membership.
In January, elections were held in 29 Prabhags of the municipal corporation, and 115 corporators were elected. Of these, 23 are facing serious complaints. Most of the complaints have reportedly been filed by defeated candidates. The allegations include having a third child (in violation of eligibility norms), unauthorised constructions, submission of false affidavits and encroachments on government or municipal corporation land. Some complainants have also submitted documentary evidence and have demanded that the membership of the concerned corporators be cancelled.
The administration has taken cognizance of the complaints. Five relate to the issue of a third child, while 17 to 18 concern encroachments and unauthorised constructions. These complaints have been consolidated and forwarded to the TP section for investigation. Officials are verifying whether the properties mentioned in the complaints have the requisite building permissions on record. Building inspectors have been instructed to conduct site inspections. After the inquiry, a report will be submitted to the election branch, which will then forward it to the Commissioner.
Some corporators anxious
Corporators who fear that their membership may be cancelled have reportedly begun exploring ways to regularise or address unauthorised constructions. Some have even started demolishing the disputed structures. Meanwhile, political opponents have begun recording videos of such actions.
Proof required in third child cases
In some complaints regarding a third child, only allegations have been made without supporting documents. Birth certificates of all three children have not been attached. Complainants have therefore been instructed to submit proper documentary proof.