Team Goemkarponn
ARPORA: A plea seeking the disqualification of Arpora–Nagoa Sarpanch Roshan Redkar has been submitted to the Directorate of Panchayats, alleging misuse of authority, corruption and multiple violations of statutory provisions.
The petition, filed by Siraj Pednekar on Tuesday, calls for Redkar’s removal from office and seeks an interim direction restraining him from functioning as sarpanch until the case is decided.
According to the petitioner, Redkar unlawfully granted a licence to the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, despite the establishment being situated in an ecologically sensitive zone where commercial activity is restricted. Addressing mediapersons, the petitioner’s counsel alleged that the approval was granted in violation of applicable laws and said the illegal permission was a contributing factor in the circumstances surrounding the devastating fire that claimed 25 lives on December 6.
The petition also raises allegations that the sarpanch issued 13 repair licences for non-existent structures, all of which are said to be located within Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) protected areas. It further claims that Redkar himself is facing a demolition order in connection with an unauthorised construction.
In addition, the plea accuses the sarpanch of holding assets disproportionate to his known sources of income, alleging financial impropriety during his tenure.
Taking cognisance of the complaint, the Directorate of Panchayats has issued a notice to Redkar and scheduled a hearing in the matter on December 26 at 4 pm.
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