BMC fund row: MNS leaders to submit proofs to ACB

The two Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leaders have been asked by the anti-corruption bureau (ACB) to verify the allegations they levelled against the mayor on Wednesday.

The two Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leaders have been asked by the anti-corruption bureau (ACB) to verify the allegations they levelled against the Mumbai mayor on Wednesday.

The anti-graft body has asked MNS group leader Sandeep Deshpande and corporator Santosh Dhuri to submit details of the alleged nexus between Mumbai contractors and mayor Snehal Ambekar. They have been asked to visit the Worli headquarters.

While Dhuri approached the ACB on behalf of his party, Deshpande released an audio recording of conversation he had with the mayor over distribution of funds.

“Dhuri and Deshpande will submit the relevant details tomorrow (Wednesday),” said Vishwas Nangre Patil, additional commissioner of police, ACB, adding, “Earlier, Dhuri made an application on the same subject but the tape surface recently.” He said the authenticity of the tapes will be checked and the context and substance of the alleged conversation will be analysed.

Alleging the involvement of contractors in distribution of funds, the MNS approached the ACB seeking a probe. Ambekar, meanwhile, accused the MNS of recording the conversation without her permission and approached the Azad Maidan police station against Deshpande.

The conversation was recorded by Deshpande, when Ambekar called him and to inform how funds were being allocated. Both Ambekar and Deshpande admitted to the media that audio recording was a conversation between them.

Deshpande alleged that the contractors were calling the shots and corporators from his party were unaware that funds were being allotted to them. Ambekar, however, rubbished these allegations, asking how contractors could be involved as all the work orders were issued through e-tendering, an online procedure.

Meanwhile, MNS has demanded immediate resignation from the mayor. "The mayor should resign as a sign of respect for the post and the city till the ACB probe is on," said Deshpande.