MUMBAI: The Bombay high court on Thursday rejected the anticipatory bail plea filed by former Shiv Sena corporator from Nalasopara, Dhananjay Gawade (45), accused of using the RTI Act to extort money from builders. Gawade has been absconding for more than two years.
Ten FIRs were filed against Gawade by builders between March 31 and April 12, 2018. The builders alleged they were threatened by Gawade, a first-time corporator, who demanded money from them to go “soft” on illegal structures. As the five-year term of Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation ended in June 2020, and fresh elections awaited, Gawade seizes to be a corporator.
Judge Sandeep Shinde observed that if a corporator has been absconding for two years, it is a matter of serious concern. In his plea, Gawade said the multiple FIRs were filed against him as he was a whistleblower .