The state will probe the builder-police nexus that allegedly led to the destruction of mangroves at Kandarpada in Dahisar, home minister RR Patil told the Assembly on Wednesday.
Patil made the announcement after the Opposition alleged that the police were helping the builder, Jayesh Shah, who destroyed mangroves along the coastal stretch to grab the land.
The issue came up during the question hour.
“When environmentalist, Debi Goenka, and activists of the Conservation Action Trust went there for an inspection and to prevent such destruction on May 3, they were manhandled,” Bharatiya Janata Party legislator, Gopal Shetty, alleged. “Goenka’s camera was whisked away in the melee.”
The Opposition alleged that instead of acting against the guilty, the police lodged a complaint against activists who had protested against the destruction of mangroves.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena legislator, Bala Nandgaonkar, demanded that the police inspector of the concerned police station be suspended for protecting the builder and his men.
Patil assured the House that the crime branch will inquire into the matter and guilty officials will be dealt with firmly. “We will not tolerate a police-builder nexus. If this exists, the state government will crack down on it,” Patil said.
He said if it is found that the builder destroyed the mangroves in the coastal zone of Dahisar-Kandarpada, he will be penalised and the forest department will plant mangroves at the site again.
{{/usCountry}}He said if it is found that the builder destroyed the mangroves in the coastal zone of Dahisar-Kandarpada, he will be penalised and the forest department will plant mangroves at the site again.
{{/usCountry}}Patil said the Thane police have registered offences against the accused and two people have been arrested.