The family of corporator Matin Patel welcomed officials with flowers during the demolition in Aurangabad
MUMBAI — A political controversy has erupted in Maharashtra after the administration demolished the house of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) corporator Matin Patel in Naregaon area of Aurangabad, now officially known as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The action on Wednesday came after police alleged that Patel had provided shelter to Nida Khan, who was wanted in connection with the TCS conversion case.
The demolition carried out by the municipal corporation has led to sharp reactions from political leaders and locals, with opposition voices questioning whether the action was legally justified or politically motivated.
According to officials, the two-storey structure belonging to the AIMIM corporator was demolished because it was allegedly an illegal construction and proper documents were not submitted within the notice period.
The controversy began after Nashik Police arrested Nida Khan from Aurangabad with the help of local police teams. During questioning, police claimed that she had been staying at Matin Patel’s residence in Naregaon.
Soon after this information emerged, the municipal corporation issued a notice to Patel, directing him to submit construction permissions and property-related documents.
Officials stated that a three-day deadline was given to provide the required papers. When no satisfactory response was received within the given period, the anti-encroachment department began demolition proceedings early Wednesday morning.
Heavy police deployment was seen across the area during the operation.
Municipal Additional Commissioner Santosh Wahul said the action was completely legal.
“The notice was served properly. The required documents were not submitted within the stipulated time, after which the anti-encroachment department carried out the demolition process,” he said.
However, the action immediately drew criticism from AIMIM leaders, who alleged that the administration acted in unusual haste.
Party leader Sameer Builder questioned the short notice period and said that in similar cases authorities usually provide at least one month before demolition.
“This kind of notice generally gives more time. Carrying out demolition within three days raises serious questions,” he said.
The demolition also drew attention because of the unusual protest staged by Matin Patel’s family members and supporters.
As the municipal teams and police personnel arrived in the locality early in the morning, supporters standing on the terrace of the house showered flower petals on officials.
Family members also welcomed police and municipal staff with flower garlands.
In another symbolic gesture, Patel’s relatives presented a copy of the Constitution of India to Municipal Additional Commissioner Santosh Wahul.
The incident followed an appeal made by senior leader Imtiaz Jaleel on Tuesday night. He urged party workers and supporters not to resist the demolition squad and instead cooperate peacefully with the authorities.
Speaking on the issue, Imtiaz Jaleel questioned the timing and nature of the action.
“It is still not fully clear whether the woman concerned is guilty or not. Declaring people guilty before legal proceedings are complete is unfair,” he said.
The controversy has also intensified political exchanges in the city.
Sameer Rajurkar defended the administration and insisted that the notice issued to Patel was valid and official.
“If they have proof against the notice, they should present it. Three days were sufficient under the circumstances,” he said.
Meanwhile, former BJP MLA Sanjay Kenekar demanded strict action against Patel and claimed that complaints related to misconduct against women had also surfaced against him in the past.
The demolition has once again triggered debate over bulldozer actions in different parts of India, especially in cases involving Muslim individuals or opposition leaders. Civil rights activists and opposition parties have repeatedly raised concerns over the growing use of demolition drives soon after criminal allegations surface, arguing that such actions create the impression of punishment before trial.
Supporters of the administration, however, maintain that illegal constructions should face action regardless of political or religious identity.
For now, the demolition in Naregaon has become a major political issue in Aurangabad, with discussions continuing over whether due legal process was properly followed and whether the action was linked only to municipal violations or influenced by the criminal allegations connected to the TCS case.
