Video shows water being stolen from MIDC pipeline near Hedutane; MNS alleges officials' complicity

A video has surfaced showing water being stolen by tanker from an MIDC pipeline near Hedutane village on the Badlapur-Katai road in Dombivli. The video has caused a stir in the area. MIDC officials reportedly reached the spot as soon as they were informed and broke the pipeline being used for the theft. It has also emerged that a case has been registered at Manpada police station.

The matter has now taken a political turn. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has made serious allegations about the alleged involvement of some MIDC officials.

Harshad Patil, MNS Dombivli city president, has questioned the functioning of the MIDC administration. He claims that water stolen from the MIDC pipeline is being supplied to private complexes. He also alleged that a large amount of money is involved in the transactions.

The MNS alleges that water is being supplied by tanker to different areas and that a fixed sum of between Rs 5,000 and Rs 75,000 a month is collected in this business. The party is also demanding an inquiry into whether some MIDC officials are involved in these alleged transactions. However, the allegations have not been independently confirmed so far. What the officials concerned have to say and what the investigation finds will be important.

The MNS has demanded a thorough investigation and strict action against those involved in the water theft. The party has also claimed that more information on the matter will be placed before the public in the next two days. It has further been stated that an MNS delegation led by party leader Raju Patil will meet Industries Minister Uday Samant. At the meeting, the party will seek clarity on the role of the officials concerned and firm action against the guilty. The MNS has also demanded that the matter be investigated at the level of an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP).

Attention now turns to what steps Manpada police take next and how the MIDC administration looks into the alleged transactions. The investigation is expected to answer how much substance there is in the MNS allegations, whether anyone else was involved, and how far the water theft affected MIDC's water supply.