Navi Mumbai: An assistant municipal commissioner of Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) reportedly had a miscarriage after being manhandled by a mob during a demolition drive.The razing exercise was conducted in Airoli Sector 2 on July 30. Further, NMMC has squarely blamed the city police for its inaction, according to the note filed by the civic body before Bombay High Court, a copy of which is with TOI.NMMC advocate Anil Anturkar mentioned the incident without naming the officer. She was surrounded by a few locals, and one among the mob allegedly referred to his contact with a minister.Confirming the incident, an NMMC official source said, “She had sought assistance from the civic chief prior to the demolition drives.” The official was seen in a video while participating in the demolition drive.Despite repeated attempts, deputy municipal commissioner (encroachment) Sanjay Shinde could not be reached for a comment.The HC bench was hearing the contempt petition filed by advocate Kishor Shetty with respect to a PIL on illegal constructions in Navi Mumbai. Between June 16 and July 7, NMMC submitted that action was taken against 63 illegal structures.In the note, NMMC said when the staff had proceeded for the demolition, a serious incident took place in which the mob attacked the civic staff. An FIR was filed on the evening of the same day with the local police. However, no action has been taken against the persons who have been named in the FIR.“Unless police authorities also spring into action, it would not be possible for the officers and employees of the municipal corporation to place their lives in jeopardy in the discharge of their statutory duties. Timely action by the police would inspire confidence,” NMMC’s note stated.NMMC’s note said it showed its readiness to produce the video in order to impress upon HC the seriousness of the situation and the inaction on the part of the police authorities, so that suitable directions may be issued.
