Nashik cops grill Sambhajinagar AIMIM corporator in connection with harbouring accused wanted in TSC case

Nashik: The Nashik police on Monday questioned Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar AIMIM corporator Mateen Patel for over seven hours in connection with allegedly arranging accommodation for a female TCS staffer, a co-accused in a sexual harassment and hurting religious sentiments case registered on March 26 at the Deolali Camp police station.

Police also questioned Hanif Khan, in whose house the woman was found staying.

The interrogation, conducted at the Nashik police commissionerate from around 10am, focused on how the absconding woman came in contact with Patel, and his links with Khan. Investigators suspect the accommodation was arranged at Patel’s behest.





ACP (crime) Sandeep Mitke, who heads the SIT probing nine related cases registered at the Deolali Camp and Mumbai Naka police stations, said, “Both Mateen Patel and Hanif Khan will be called again after a few days for further questioning.” He added, “We have seized the mobile phones of the duo, and more details will come to light after receiving the forensic reports of the digital devices.”

Mateen Patel has been named the fourth accused for allegedly facilitating the shelter. However, his lawyer, advocate Abhaysinh Bhosle, said he cooperated fully with the probe. “Mateen Patel has fully cooperated with the police in the inquiry, which is why he has not been arrested,” Bhosle told TOI.

Defending Patel, Bhosle said the corporator had acted in good faith. “It was as part of his social work that he helped the woman find a room at the request of her father and aunt. Mateen Patel had no knowledge that the woman was an accused in a case involving sexual harassment and hurting religious feelings,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Nashik Road district sessions court adjourned the hearing on the woman’s bail plea to May 30.