Power theft found at Ganesh mandal CM Fadnavis visited in Nagpur

A case of power theft has come to light at the Ajni Chowk Ganesh mandal in Nagpur that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis visited on Wednesday evening. The mandal is linked to Munna Yadav, former chairman of the state public works board (Bandhkam Mandal) and a BJP leader. Yadav, said to be close to Fadnavis, has a long history of controversies. His wife Lakshmi Yadav is also a BJP corporator, and his son Arjun Yadav has cases of assault registered against him.

On Thursday night, Mahavitaran was informed that the Ajni Chowk Ganesh mandal had been stealing electricity for decorations. Mahavitaran took no action that night. After pressure mounted, it inspected the site on Friday morning and confirmed the theft, and the news spread quickly. Mahavitaran registered a case under Section 135 of the Electricity Act and imposed a bill of Rs 13,000 including penalty. However, it did not file a police complaint. The company's reasoning is that the accused has paid the amount and is taking a new meter, so no FIR will be filed against him. Yadav and his family have repeatedly figured in controversies, with several serious cases including attempt to murder registered against them.

A fortnight earlier, a DJ was played despite a ban during a Dahi Handi event at Ajni Chowk, in which Dhantoli police had registered a case. During Fadnavis's visit on Thursday evening, there was also a dispute with a police officer, and when a senior woman officer cautioned those involved, an attempt was made to argue with her as well. A mandal office bearer has denied the power theft allegation, saying the mandal has no connection with Munna Yadav or his family. On Thursday, when the Chief Minister visited, Yadav's son Arjun had welcomed him.