Thane: Anti-encroachment department clerk suspended for colluding with hawkers. Thane News – Times of India

Thane: A clerk attached to anti encroachment Department naupada-copper Ward of Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has been suspended following an internal inquiry, which established his nexus with the hawkers, officials informed on Friday.
Ashwini Waghmale, deputy municipal commissioner, in-charge of unauthorized construction removal and encroachment, told that he had received a complaint about the clerk saying that he was in close contact with some hawkers and their leaders and was often seen socializing with them.
“An internal inquiry was conducted which revealed his complicity with the hawkers and also celebrated his birthday with them. He was given an opportunity to clarify what action was taken. The complaint was received about ten days back and the action was taken. There is no connection with the attack. On an assistant commissioner in Kasarvadavali,” he said.

Mayor Naresh Mhaske said the action would serve as an example to other officials that the administration would not tolerate such collusion. It may be recalled that the administration has always faced criticism from residents for conducting raids at places only after the hawkers were temporarily evacuated. Many alleged that there was an unholy nexus between some officials and the hawkers, who were informed about such drives in time.
Meanwhile, an internal investigation into the incident in Majiwada Ward revealed Hawker Those who had assaulted Assistant Commissioner Kalpita Pimple had established their business in the area after being shifted from Brahmand.