A verbal altercation turned ugly between Mumbai Mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar and chief engineer of storm water drain (SWD) department. The altercation began over a visit to check the cleaning of a drain located near the residence of Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray.
According to Indian Express, the chief engineer of storm water drain (SWD) department V H Khandkar was allegedly manhandled by men accompanying the mayor. The drain connects to Chamdawadi nullah and, due to the improper receding of water, the area around Kalanagar, including Matoshree where Uddhav resides with his family, have witnessed flooding during rains. In the past, several complaints of frequent flooding of the junction were reported. Sources from BMC told the leading daily that Yuva Sena chief Aaditya Thackeray had also personally interceded and asked the mayor to resolve the issue.
As a part of monsoon preparedness, on Monday, a visit was organised to the drain which connects to Chamdawadi nullah. The visit was organised for the mayor with BMC Director V P Chithore, SWD chief engineer Khandkar and other officers in attendance. During the same, a heated argument broke out between the Mayor and the chief engineer, they also used abusive language. While the argument was going on, a man who was accompanying the mayor allegedly manhandled Khandkar. Later, after the incident, a group of engineers, along with Khandkar and Chithore, met Municipal Commissioner Praveen Pardeshi. According to the leading daily, after hearing their side, BMC chief asked them to get back to work.
