BJP workers throw ink at Cidco official over water woes, 2 held

KAMOTHE: Distressed by the shortage of water in the node, residents, led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers, took a morcha to City and Industrial Development Cor poration (Cidco) office on Wednesday. In the rally, some party workers allegedly threw ink at Cidco executive engineer (water supply) Dilip Bokade.

The incident led to tension in the area and the police registered cases against six people, two of whom were arrested.

Residents have said the incident was a sign of desperation. The population in Kamothe is increasing and there is a demand for 42 million litres a day ( mld) of water. However, only 24 mld of water is supplied to the node currently. The problem is escalated by water cuts.

Residents have held several meetings with Cidco on the issue. Morcha and agitations too have been organised. However, the water supply situation has only worsened.

On Wednesday, a morcha, led by Republican Party of India (RPI), reached the Cidco office first. A dele gation of RPI, including leader Mangesh Dhivar, held a meeting with officials at the Cidco office in Sector 6.

Meanwhile, the BJP morcha arrived but was stopped by the police outside the office premises.

BJP workers, however, entered the office to submit their memorandum after seeking permission from the police.

While speaking to the officials, BJP workers Mahendra Bhopi and Happy Singh allegedly threw ink on Bokade.

Senior inspector Sriram Mullemwar, who was present at the spot, detained the duo and arrested them later. When the situation worsened, former MP Ramseth Thakur rushed to the spot.

“If water supply is not restored to the required levels, we will lock the Cidco office here,” said Thakur.

While Bokade appealed to Thakur to discuss the issue, Thakur demanded that arrested BJP workers be released first.

He threatened to intensify the agitation otherwise.

Thakur also demanded the charges against the arrested party workers be dropped.