Former APMC Director Arrested in Navi Mumbai Toilet Scandal Involving Rs. 7.61 Crore
Navi Mumbai, 26th April 2024: The Navi Mumbai Crime Branch has apprehended the former director and a clerk of the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) in Vashi in connection with the APMC toilet scandal involving Rs. 7.61 crore. Sanjay Pansare, the former director, was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly authorizing a drastic reduction in the monthly rent from Rs. 61,000 to Rs. 8,000 for the company responsible for operating and maintaining the toilets in the market area.
In the ongoing investigation into the APMC toilet scandal, Shivnath Wagh, the clerk, was arrested on Thursday. This marks the fifth arrest in the case since November 2023.
The case was initiated following a complaint filed by special auditor Bhagwan Botre in November 2023. Botre alleged that a group of APMC officials disregarded proper procedures when awarding the tender for the management of the public toilets on the market premises.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Ajay Landge stated, “The accusation suggests that the accused collectively, without adhering to protocol, favoured a particular company for the maintenance and management of the market’s public toilets. We are continuing our investigation to determine the extent of each accused’s involvement.”
Police have identified eight additional suspects in connection with the case. It is alleged that these individuals selected a specific company and manipulated the tender process for personal gain, resulting in a loss of Rs. 7.61 crore to the APMC.
Previously arrested individuals include Suresh Maru, a contractor, Manesh Vishwanath Patil, a transporter and water supplier, and APMC sanitation inspector Sidram Nagorao Katdhond, apprehended in November and December of the previous year. Pansare and Wagh are currently in police custody until Friday.
