Date: November, 11th 2023
Mira Bhayandar, Maharashtra – The Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) has recently been hit by a series of fraudulent activities that have raised concerns among the local community. Multiple cases of financial malfeasance and corruption have come to light, casting a dark shadow over the once-reputed civic body.
In a shocking revelation, it has emerged that several high-ranking officials within the MBMC have been involved in embezzlement and misappropriation of public funds. The authorities suspect that these fraudulent activities have been ongoing for a significant period, resulting in the loss of millions of taxpayer rupees.
The investigations conducted by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) have uncovered suspicious financial transactions and the movement of funds through illicit means. Senior officials are suspected of siphoning off money meant for critical public infrastructure projects, depriving the citizens of their due rights and compromising the city’s development.
Furthermore, there have been reports of political interference, with certain elected representatives allegedly involved in facilitating these fraudulent activities. The corrupt nexus between politicians, bureaucrats, and contractors has severely impacted the overall functioning of the local government and hindered the effective implementation of welfare schemes and infrastructure development programs.
According to the report submitted by the Mira Bhayander Corporation Ex-commissioner (Dilip Dhole), the corporation had informed that the TDR has been given for reserved plots and not to the plots in a no development zone. The TDR approvals have been given as per the development control rules of the corporation,” a letter by an under-secretary of the UDD written in July 2021 stated.
After the ED issued summons to Dhole in the ULC scam, he was shunted out of the Mira Bhayandar municipal corporation, Complainant Pange had said that the TDR scam was similar to the ULC scam and should ideally be probed again by the ED. Dilip Dhole though joined MBMC in 2020 a lot of other irregularities including Tenders issued, Building Proposal Clearances done by him are also in question by Citizens as his predecessor and Ex Commissioner Balaji Khatgaonkar allowed and cleared certain standing Committee proposals moved by Bjp Corporators which also are under scrutiny and are in process of being Challenged in Court’s.
Civic activists and concerned citizens have expressed their disappointment and frustration over the deteriorating state of affairs within the MBMC. They demand stringent measures to be taken against those involved in these fraudulent acts, asserting that transparency, accountability, and ethical governance must be restored to the municipal corporation.
Though the MBMC administration had vowed to take swift action against the wrongdoers and cooperate fully with investigations.and In response, a special task force had been set up, comprising of experts from various fields, to identify systemic loopholes and propose remedial measures to prevent future frauds, Many Citizens of Mira Bhayandar feel the frauds which have already happened are also being covered up
The State Government had also taken cognizance of the matter and embarked on a comprehensive overhaul of the MBMC’s governance structure. The appointment of a competent and independent team to scrutinize financial transactions, strengthen internal audit mechanisms, and foster a culture of integrity within the civic body is being considered a crucial step towards rebuilding trust with the public, but it seems results are long way ahead.
Meanwhile, civil society groups, are organizing awareness campaigns and public hearings to encourage the affected citizens to come forward and share their experiences. They are emphasizing the significance of reporting any suspicious activities or financial irregularities witnessed within the MBMC to deter wrongdoing and foster a culture of vigilance among the residents.
As investigations continue, it is imperative for Mira Bhayandar residents to remain vigilant and engage actively in monitoring the administration’s actions. The revelations of rampant fraud and corruption in the MBMC have underscored the need for a concerted effort to reclaim the municipality’s credibility and ensure that public funds are utilized for the betterment of the community.
The road to recovery for the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation will require a collective effort, involving all stakeholders, to rebuild trust, hold wrongdoers accountable, and foster a new era of transparent governance in the city.