Civic meet turns ugly, corporators beat up VVMC commissioner

The Municipal Commissioner of the Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) was allegedly assaulted by two elected corporators at his chamber on Friday. The police arrested Sanjay Kohli and Pravin Kambli — members of Jan Andolan Samiti headed by Vasai Independent MLA Vivek Pandit — and 23 others, including a few women, for rioting.

According to Virar police officers, VVMC Commissioner Kishore Borde suffered serious head injuries and is admitted to a private hospital in Virar.

Opposition leader Vinayak Nikam said in his statement to the police that he had gone to the commissioner with the two corporators and others to discuss several issues regarding civic matters. Nikam said the discussions turned into a heated argument and Borde allegedly grabbed Kohli's collar before pushing him. "We have spoken to Borde as well but he denied all the allegations," said a police officer. Borde claimed that the two corporators began beating him up. They picked up a glass and smashed it on his head, he alleged.

An officer said they had also arrested Nikam for rioting and assaulting a public servant on duty. The accused had also damaged government property, including the civic corporation furniture and glass panes and some computers, police said.

"We have recorded the statements of the corporators and the commissioner and are investigating the case. There was a reporter at the spot who witnessed the attack. His statement has also been recorded. We will be producing the arrested before the Vasai court on Saturday," said the officer.

Pandit said they do not support the violence and claimed no assault took place.

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