In a shocking incident inside the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters, cash amounting to Rs 20,000 was allegedly stolen from the purse of Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator Laxmi Bhatia following a standing committee meeting on Wednesday. The incident has raised serious concerns over security arrangements inside one of the most sensitive administrative zones of the civic body.
Incident Inside High-Security Standing Committee Hall
The alleged theft took place inside the Standing Committee Hall on the first floor of the BMC building – an area often described as the corporation’s “treasury” due to its role in key financial decision-making. The breach has triggered alarm among both political representatives and administrative officials.
According to reports, Bhatia, who represents Ward No. 56 and is a member of the Standing Committee, had left her purse behind while stepping out for lunch after the meeting concluded. Upon returning, she found the purse open, raising suspicion of tampering.
Cash Missing, No CCTV Coverage Raises Concerns
After inspecting her belongings, Bhatia discovered that Rs 20,000 was missing from her purse. The absence of CCTV cameras in the Standing Committee Hall has made it difficult to verify the sequence of events or identify any suspect.
Speaking about the incident, Bhatia expressed strong concern over the lack of surveillance in such a critical area. She questioned how a theft could occur in a space considered central to the corporation’s financial governance.
Complaint Filed, Authorities Informed
Bhatia stated that she informed officials from the concerned municipal department about the incident. The matter has also been reported to the security department, the mayor’s office, members of the opposition, and the Standing Committee.
She further noted that a fellow corporator had also witnessed the condition of the purse when she returned, reinforcing concerns about possible tampering.
Security Lapses Spark Political Debate
The incident has sparked a wider debate over security arrangements within the BMC headquarters. Questions are being raised about the safety of elected representatives and their belongings inside the premises.
Bhatia also highlighted broader concerns, questioning how such an incident could occur in a supposedly secure environment and what it implies for overall safety standards.
