Mumbai: Former assistant municipal commissioner of a ward under Lokayukta scanner

The Lokayukta in an order has asked the municipal commissioner to take “appropriate action” against a former assistant municipal commissioner of C-ward. The order was given after he failed to act despite receiving repeated complaints from the shop owner opposite Crawford Market.

Rajesh Premani owner a shop opposite Crawford Market had filed a complaint against Jivak Ghegadmal, former assistant municipal commissioner of C-ward for not addressing his grievance regarding a fire hazard caused due to cylinder storage by popular joint Badshah.

The order was given by ML Tahiliyani from Lokayukta on February 19, 2019. When asked Premani, he said that he had received the orders only three days ago. The order, which has to be complied in 90 days states that not taking action only projects his undesirable interest or corruption.

“Despite being demolished twice for its massive gas leakage from his illegally owned gas bank in 2012, the shop was reinstated. It was temporarily shut by serving MRTP notices in 2012 after the fire brigade report pointed out safety risks. After the insistence of Lokayukta, the illegal 32-cylinder LPG gas bank was demolished again, but it was immediately reinstated. Badshah doesn’t even have the latest fire NOC as required after Kamala Mills fire. Yet they are allowed with impunity to flout all rules and regulations,” said Premani whose shop adjoins Badshah’s.

“Administration is not taken action and hence people are forced to move court and case lingers for long years. Does the administration care for fire safety. If you think Mumbai is safe after Kamala Disaster, and fire wouldn’t happen again think again! Be assured, dire would happen again,” said Premani, who has now rented out his place. “We will be seeking further legal remedies if action is not taken,” said advocate Prerak Choudhary, who helped Premani in legal advice.

When contacted, Ghegadmal said, “Assistant engineer of building and factory is the authorised person to take action. In case of enquiry, I will check with the seniors on action be taken. Every fortnightly there is meeting with deputy municipal commissioner (RE) and he should be taking action as he is responsible for labour and police protection.” Ashfaq from Badshah said that someone will get back but no one did. Municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta has not responded to message from DNA.