Thane civic chief asks state to remove mayor from post

Taking note of the complaint filed by the chief auditor of the civic body alleging that mayor HS Patil abused him verbally on Thursday, Thane municipal commissioner, RA Rajeev, has sent a report to the state government recommending Patil's disqualification.

Taking note of the complaint filed by the chief auditor of the civic body alleging that mayor HS Patil abused him verbally on Thursday, Thane municipal commissioner, RA Rajeev, has sent a report to the state government recommending Patil's disqualification.

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Chief auditor SK Ubale alleged that Patil abused him when he refused to clear a file pertaining to the purchase of equipment for a gym in his ward.

In his complaint, Ubale said, “Patil said I am using my head when it is not required. He also threatened to stab me.”

As Patil refuted the claims, Rajeev asked the additional municipal commissioner, who was present when the incident occurred, to file a report on it.

“Additional commissioner LR Gupta confirmed the allegations made by Ubale. So, I have sent a report to the state government recommending Patil's disqualification under section 10 of the Bombay Provincial Muncipal Corporations (BPMC) act.”

Under the act, the state government can, on recommendation by the corporation and support of three-fourths of the elected representatives, remove a councillor found guilty of misconduct or disgraceful conduct from his post.

“Such incidents will create a sense of fear among civic officials,” Ubale said.

Patil said, “Local corporator of ward 7 had complained that the file on gym equipment purchase was not progressing owing to the auditor’s objections. So, I questioned Ubale on the issue. I did not abuse or threaten him. Afraid that I will report the matter to the commissioner, he has levelled false charges against me.”

The opposition parties in the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) — NCP, Congress and MNS — on Friday demanded that a police complaint be registered against Patil.