A BJP councillor and two of his associates have been booked for allegedly assaulting the chief officer of the Mahad Municipal Council in Maharashtra's Raigad district following a dispute over a damaged underground water pipeline that disrupted water supply in the area. The incident has sparked concern over the safety of public officials and prompted a police investigation.
According to the police, the incident took place inside the Mahad Municipal Council office when BJP councillor Suraj Bamane, accompanied by two aides, confronted Chief Officer Dhananjay Kolekar over complaints related to the water supply in his ward. Officials said the discussion soon turned heated, and the accused allegedly grabbed the officer by the collar, punched him and verbally abused him.
Based on Kolekar's complaint, Mahad police registered an FIR against Bamane and the two others under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to voluntarily causing hurt, criminal intimidation, assault on a public servant and obstructing a public servant from discharging official duties. No arrests had been reported immediately after the FIR was registered.
Police officials said an investigation is underway and statements of witnesses are being recorded. CCTV footage from the municipal office is also being examined as part of the probe. Authorities said appropriate legal action will be taken based on the evidence collected during the investigation.
The alleged assault has drawn criticism from civic officials, who said violence against government employees cannot be tolerated. Municipal staff members reportedly expressed solidarity with the chief officer and demanded strict action against those responsible for the attack.
The incident comes at a time when several parts of Maharashtra are grappling with civic challenges, including water supply disruptions and infrastructure issues triggered by the ongoing monsoon. Officials stressed that public grievances should be addressed through administrative channels rather than intimidation or violence.
The BJP has not issued an official statement on the allegations against the councillor. Meanwhile, police said the case remains under investigation, and further action will depend on the findings of the inquiry.
