Additional charge to be taken away from controversial Thane civic official facing corruption charges, says Maha minister

Maharashtra Minister Uday Samant on Tuesday said additional charge will be taken away from Mahesh Aher, assistant municipal commissioner of the Thane Municipal Corporation, till the inquiry against him is completed.

Following criticism from the Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP, the industries minister announced in the legislative Council that Aher's current responsibilities will be taken away till a probe against him is completed.

The civic official is facing allegations of corruption and has also been accused of threatening the family of NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad.

Awhad had last month written to the police demanding that a case be registered against Aher for allegedly threatening his family in a viral audio clip.

In another unverified clip, Aher had allegedly said that he could dial Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's phone number any time and the latter would answer his call, it was stated.

Before Samant announced the civic official's removal in the House, Shiv Sena (UBT) legislator Anil Parab and Shashikant Shinde of the NCP claimed that the state government in its written replies has admitted to Aher's involvement in corruption, but had not taken any action against him.

The silence maintained over Aher's claim that he can call the chief minister any time, raised doubts about the latter, Shinde said.

He further alleged that the civic official had hired private body guards and sought to know how he was able to afford it. “There have been several complaints against Aher, including allegations that his degree certificate is fake. There should be a thorough probe into this matter,” Parab said.

Responding to Parab's query, Samant said, “Aher is holding some additional charges. His additional charges will be removed. The state government is carrying out various inquiries against him and those will continue.” NCP leader Eknath Khadse asked why the civic official had not been suspended and if there was any vested interest in protecting him.