BMC suspends assistant municipal commissioner after Mumbai Crime Branch files FIR in Rs 16.2 crore cheating case

Mumbai: The BMC has suspended assistant municipal commissioner Mahesh Patil of K/North ward after the Mumbai Crime Branch registered a Rs 16.2-crore cheating and forgery case against him on a complaint lodged by actor Jaaved Jaaferi’s wife Habiba.

Crime branch is looking for Patil, who is on the run.

Habiba, in her complaint, alleged that Patil had lured her family into investing in a Bandra redevelopment project using forged govt documents and false promises of high returns. She first met Patil at his BMC office in April 2024 for some clarification regarding a tax-related matter. Patil allegedly told her about an investment opportunity in a Bandra redevelopment project and advised her to channel it through co-accused Nishit Patel. Crime branch has arrested Patel and another accused Rupesh More.

Patil has been placed under suspension under the provisions of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (Services) Rules, 1989, pending investigation into the offences registered against him. “Patil was on sanctioned leave till May 18, after which he sought for an extension of leave during which period the FIR was filed,” said a BMC official.

The circular — a copy of which is accessed by TOI — further warns that disciplinary action will be initiated against officials who fail to comply with the prescribed procedure for implementing the suspension order. BMC has asked the establishment department to complete all formalities expeditiously and submit a compliance report to the General Administration Department.