Theft incidents are commonly reported from public places such as bus depots, railway stations, or even residential areas. However, a shocking incident has come to light from within the Standing Committee of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) itself.In a startling development, ₹20,000 was allegedly stolen from the purse of corporator Laxmi Bhatia from Ward No. 56, who is affiliated with the Thackeray faction of Shiv Sena. The incident has created a stir in political circles as well as within the civic administration. Bhatia has lodged a complaint regarding the theft with the Mayor, the Leader of the Opposition, and the Chairman of the Standing Committee.
The incident reportedly took place inside the Standing Committee hall, which is often considered the “treasury” of the municipal corporation. After the committee meeting concluded, Bhatia had stepped out for lunch, leaving her purse behind. Upon returning, she found the zipper of her purse open. Suspecting tampering, she checked her belongings and discovered that ₹20,000 was missing.
The absence of CCTV cameras at the location has made it difficult to verify the incident or identify the culprit. Reacting angrily, Bhatia questioned the security arrangements, stating, “The Standing Committee is considered the treasury of the municipal corporation. If such an incident can occur here, what can be said about security?”
Meanwhile, MNS group leader Yashwant Killedar also criticised the civic body over the incident. He remarked, “If the security inside the committee hall itself is in such a poor condition, what about the safety of ordinary citizens of Mumbai?”
Preliminary observations suggest that due to the lack of CCTV surveillance in the Standing Committee hall, tracing the person responsible for the theft will be difficult. Bhatia stated that she had informed the concerned officials in the administration department as well as the security department. She also mentioned that a fellow corporator had seen the condition of the purse.
She further raised concerns, asking, “If even corporators’ belongings are not safe inside the municipal premises, how can one expect safety? Is it acceptable to take money from a woman’s purse?”
Following the incident, the issue of security arrangements within the BMC headquarters has once again come under scrutiny, with increasing demands to fix accountability.
Calling it an embarrassment for the administration, Yashwant Killedar added, “Such incidents should not occur at a place where key financial decisions and budget approvals of the municipal corporation are made.”
