‘Shiv Sena is involved in water theft’

The water theft in Govandi seems to have become a serious issue between Shiv Sena and Swabhiman Sangathna, an NGO working in the field of water issues, led by the congress leader Narayan Rane’s son Nitesh Rane.

Swabhiman activists on Saturday stormed into the Sena office at Govandi, and alleged that the local Sena leader Vijay Shaile is involved in the black marketing of water.

“Our activists were on watch in this area for more than a week. The black marketing takes place at the Sena office. It shows how the party, which is ruling at the BMC, is involved in black marketing,” said Rane. He added that the alleged water mafia is absconding, which proves he is guilty.

However, Sena leaders have refuted Rane’s claim. “Swabhiman activists are local goons. None of our leaders are involved in this,” said Rajaram Borhade, ward president, Shiv Sena.

The ward officer from M ward (East) HD Kshirsagar, mentioned that he has no idea about any such activity.

Locals who buy the water from illegal connections mentioned that there are no water meters here, neither there has been any inspection done by the BMC in the past years. “Illegal connections are given for Rs250-300 on a monthly basis,” said Shaheen Sheikh, a resident.

A police official from Deonar police station informed that, police have arrested five people, out of which one is from Swabhiman. “They have been booked under attempt to riot and will be presented in the court,” added a police official.