Authorities in Maharashtra on Wednesday carried out a large-scale demolition drive against properties allegedly linked to an AIMIM corporator accused of providing shelter to Nida Khan, one of the key accused in the controversial Nashik TCS case involving allegations of sexual harassment and religious conversion attempts.

The demolition operation was conducted by the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation amid heavy police deployment. Officials said several structures, including parts of a residence, office premises, and commercial establishments associated with AIMIM corporator Matin Patel, were identified as unauthorized constructions and subsequently razed following civic notices issued earlier this month.

The action comes days after Nida Khan was arrested in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Investigators alleged that Patel had provided refuge to Khan while she was absconding in connection with the Nashik-based TCS case. Police later named Patel as an accused for allegedly helping her evade authorities.

According to officials, the civic administration had issued notices regarding alleged illegal constructions at multiple properties in the Naregaon and Kausar Baug areas. Authorities stated that Patel was given an opportunity to submit clarifications regarding the structures, but the municipal body found the response unsatisfactory and proceeded with demolition measures under provisions of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporations Act.   

Municipal authorities reportedly deployed earthmovers and a significant police contingent early in the morning to prevent any law-and-order disturbances during the demolition operation. Witnesses described tense scenes in the locality as officials demolished sections of the disputed buildings.

The controversy intensified after Patel approached the court seeking relief against the demolition notices. However, reports indicated that no immediate stay order was granted, allowing civic authorities to continue with the demolition process. Legal arguments presented on behalf of Patel reportedly questioned the timing and validity of the notices, while municipal authorities maintained that the constructions lacked required approvals.

Former AIMIM MP Imtiaz Jaleel criticized the civic body’s action and accused authorities of acting in haste. Addressing supporters and Patel’s family members before the demolition, he said the party would challenge the action legally and stand by the corporator’s family.

The broader case has triggered significant political debate in Maharashtra. BJP and Shiv Sena leaders have demanded a wider probe into alleged links surrounding the Nashik TCS matter, while opposition voices have questioned whether demolition drives are being used selectively in politically sensitive cases.

The Nashik TCS case itself has drawn statewide attention after multiple complaints surfaced alleging harassment and coercive religious conversion attempts involving women employees at the company’s Nashik unit. A Special Investigation Team formed by Nashik police is currently probing several related cases.

TCS has stated that it maintains a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and coercion of any form. The company also confirmed that employees allegedly involved in misconduct at the Nashik office were suspended pending investigation.

Political observers believe the developments may further intensify tensions in Maharashtra’s political landscape, especially as questions continue to emerge regarding the legality of demolition actions and the ongoing criminal investigation linked to the high-profile case.