DNA:
Pune: Tuesday, 07 April 2015.
Fifty-two-year-old
RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar was threatened on Tuesday, March 31, by a
corporator-builder. Kumbhar claims to have been threatened while he was
inspecting certain files under Section 4, at the Pune Municipal Corporation
(PMC).
Kumbhar
stated that the files he was inspecting pertain to Corporator Kailash Gaikwad’s
construction site in Aundh area. Kumbhar, who is a resident of Anupama Sahakari
Griha Rachna in Aundh, said, “Construction was started in a plot right next to
my flat. Therefore, I tried to seek information whether the construction coming
up in my neighbourhood had the requisite permission and was legal or not. I
also had taken permission from Sahebrao Gaikwad, Building Permissions Head,
before inspection. Moreover, while I was seeking information, the architects
and engineer of the plot were present there.”
As Kumbhar
looked for the necessary information, Corporator Kailash Gaikwad barged in and
threatened him. Kumbhar recalled, “Kailash asked me if I had a problem with his
project. He further asked for reasons of interfering in his matter. When I told
him that I wasn’t aware of his identity, he got offended and threatened me.”
Following the
incident, Kumbhar wrote to Satish Mathur, commissioner of police and Chief
Minister Devendra Fadnavis. “Chief Minister assured me to take appropriate
steps,” Kumbhar said.
Kumbhar has
denied any police protection after the incident and requests authorities
concerned to take strict action against the corporator. “It is unfortunate to
see how activists and social workers are being assaulted and threatened. Why is
a common man prevented from seeking rightful information?” asked Kumbhar.
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