Ward officer Mahesh Patil sent on compulsory leave after alleged assault video

Assistant commissioner of the S Ward (Bhandup), Mahesh Patil, has been sent on compulsory leave for a month after a viral video and related allegations surfaced involving the assault of a businessman

Mumbai: Assistant commissioner of the S Ward (Bhandup), Mahesh Patil, has been sent on compulsory leave for a month after a viral video and related allegations surfaced involving the assault of a businessman.

Ward officer Mahesh Patil sent on compulsory leave after alleged assault video

The video showed the businessman, Nishit Patel, being assaulted by a man who had his face covered. Patel has alleged that the attacker was a bodyguard hired by Patil and his associates.

Patel claimed that he had borrowed ₹7 crore from Patil for his business, but when he tried to repay the sum, he was forced to pay ₹14 to ₹15 crore, for which he had to sell his jewellery, car, and a few properties.

Patel said that during the assault, Patil had threatened him with a gun. He also named Prasad Kernar, anti-terrorist squad officer Swati Barute, Ali Reza, and two bouncers, claiming they confined him in an office for two hours.

Patil, in a video statement released on Thursday, denied all allegations against him.

A senior civic official has confirmed that Patil has been placed on compulsory leave pending inquiry, and the BMC will conduct an internal investigation into the matter.