An RTI activist and Maval MLA Sunil Shelke have filed complaints against each other after a confrontation at the Pune Collectorate over information sought about alleged mining royalty irregularities, with police verifying both versions of the incident.
The activist, Sunil Raghunath Gujar of Pimploli in Maval taluka, alleged that Shelke and his supporters verbally abused and assaulted him inside a room at the Collectorate around 3pm on Friday. Gujar also alleged that his bag was checked during the confrontation.
According to the police, Gujar submitted a written complaint alleging assault. Shelke separately filed a counter-complaint with the police commissioner, alleging that Gujar was supplying information about him to political rivals and seeking an inquiry into his activities.
The confrontation followed Gujar’s reported efforts to obtain information under the Right to Information Act about alleged irregularities involving mines, stone crushers and land belonging to the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation in Maval. Gujar alleged that irregularities in mining royalties had resulted in significant losses to the state exchequer.
Gujar and his associates have also alleged that illegal mines and stone crushers continue to operate in Maval and that administrative officials have failed to act against the alleged irregularities because of political pressure. These claims have not been established by the police in the material available for this report.
In his complaint, Shelke expressed suspicion that Gujar was attempting to obtain his personal, sensitive and business-related information by submitting RTI applications in the names of other people. He also alleged that Gujar had been seen near his office and at public events in recent days.
The dispute places questions around access to public information, oversight of mining activity and the administration of industrial land alongside the immediate allegations of assault. The Pune Collectorate, where the confrontation was reported, is a key venue for citizens seeking official records and raising complaints before district authorities.
Police said both sides had filed complaints and that the allegations were being verified. They said legal action would be taken accordingly after the inquiry.
