Sack BMC chief , says Sanjay Nirupam

Mumbai:  Alleging there is corruption in the Brihanmumbai municipal corporation (BMC) among the top officials, Mumbai Congress president Sanjay Nirupam on Monday demanded the suspension of BMC chief Ajoy Mehta. Mr Nirupam’s demand comes in the backdrop of Kamala Mill fire incident in which 14 people died but only one accused has been arrested so far.  Mr Nirupam asked Mr Mehta to declare the name of a political leaders who were putting pressure on him not to take action against illegal pubs. “Soon after the Kamala Mills fire, Mr Mehta in an elaborate interview stated the rot within the BMC is among the lower rung. Today, I have papers to prove that the rot is right at the top. Heads must roll. Mr Mehta must be suspended,” Mr Nirupam said.

The Congress leader alleged that Mr Mehta violated the rules and gave permission for illegal construction at “Smaash” in Victoria Mills. A copy of the proposal by executive engineer (building proposal), which Mr Niurupam showed at the press conference, talks about illegalities and violation by the commissioner. “The proposal shows that the rot in the BMC starts from the top. The commissioner has clearly violated the norms while giving approval. The illegal construction of elevated tracks has been approved by deputy chief engineer, chief engineer and the commissioner,” Mr Nirupam said.

He also pointed out that the approval of the illegal construction was given within six days. “All the permissions have clearly violated the BMC cicular of 2011 and the  development control rule 65,” he said.

The Congress leader questioned how Mr Mehta could lead the Kamla Mills fire probe when there are charges of violation against him. “Mehta should be suspended as the charges against him are grave. He should not be investigating the Kamala Mill fire. The investigation should be carried out by an independent authority like CBI or a judicial commission,” he added.