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Probe ordered into armed disruption at PMC meeting

Probe ordered into armed disruption at PMC meeting

Time of India12-07-2025
Patna: Amid growing tensions following the disruption of the Patna Municipal Corporation's (PMC) general board meeting, municipal commissioner Animesh Kumar Parashar on Saturday announced a probe into the presence of armed outsiders at the July 11 meeting even as he expressed hope that Patna would secure a better ranking in the upcoming Swachh Survekshan 2024.
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Referring to the commotion at the ninth board meeting, Parashar alleged that armed people were brought in to create chaos. "In Friday's meeting, criminals were brought from outside Patna with weapons. Bouncers and arms were brought to commit hooliganism. Such things cannot be tolerated in govt meetings. No one can scare me with guns and bouncers. This is Gandhi's country. Weapons have no place in a democratic society," he said.
Though he did not name Patna mayor Sita Sahu's son, Shishir Kumar, the commissioner said a letter had been issued barring him from PMC activities. "Many types of criminal cases are also going on against him. Therefore, his presence in all the activities of the civic body is banned," the letter read. A request for prohibitory orders against Shishir has also been sent to the Patna district magistrate.
Parashar added, "Security breaches are being addressed, and CCTV footage from the venue is being examined."
Despite the controversy, the commissioner highlighted the corporation's ongoing efforts under its 'Chakachak Patna' drive and its hope for a three-star rating in the garbage-free city category. "Patna has been invited for the award. We will know the scoring and the city's ranking on July 17," he said.
He also cited several achievements like elimination of 658 garbage-vulnerable points, launch of a 'manhole ambulance' service, real-time chatbot support and initiatives like 'Sadak Shatru' and 'Mera Shehar, Meri Jawabdehi'. Patna, he added, had ranked fourth in public feedback and previously earned one-star certification and a water plus tag.
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