Verbal Clash Between Corporator and Executive Engineer Over Absence During Parking Scam: “I’m Not Obligated to Answer You”

In Surat’s Varachha Zone, two corporators from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) were arrested in connection with a parking scam. The contractor was reportedly collecting money illegally. The involvement of two officers in the scam also raised suspicions, leading them to go underground. Kamlesh Vasava, the Executive Engineer of Varachha Zone, was absent from his duties without taking any leave, which sparked discussions across the city. 

Following a complaint filed by the contractor against the AAP corporators, the police conducted an investigation and filed a charge sheet, which included Kamlesh Vasava’s name. Vasava, fearing his own arrest, went underground to avoid apprehension.

Kamlesh Vasava’s Suspicious Role in the Parking Scam

Varachha Zone sees a large number of people visiting for their work-related tasks, but due to the officer’s absence, none of their work could be processed. Moreover, as the administrative officer, Kamlesh Vasava’s absence also created difficulties for the team of officers working under him. The corporation had awarded a parking contract within the Varachha Zone. 

Despite the contract period having ended, the contractor continued to collect parking fees. When Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) corporators raised concerns about the illegal collection of money, they posed several questions to the contractor. After the parking scam came to light, Kamlesh Vasava’s role became suspicious.

Kamlesh Vasava Flees His Cabin Amidst Questioning

The contractor and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) corporators had a meeting together inside the zone, which was later revealed. During this time, the police were also taking statements from the involved parties. Kamlesh Vasava, however, filed for anticipatory bail in court and continued to go underground. 

For the past three days, he had been present at work but left immediately after receiving complaints. This led to the local Corporator from Ward No. 15 entering Vasava’s cabin and attempting to ask him questions. However, Kamlesh Vasava fled his cabin without answering any questions and clearly told the corporator, “I am not obligated to answer your questions.”

Corporator Raises Questions on Kamlesh Vasava’s Absence and Behavior

Corporator Dharmesh Bhalaniya expressed his concerns, stating, “As a representative of the people, why can’t I ask questions? If an officer holding such a high position is absent without any approval or prior notice, how can I not question that? The salary of this officer is paid by the corporation, and it is taxpayer money. 

How can an officer display such arrogance and disregard for his duties? Not only is he involved in a scandal, but he also doesn’t inform anyone and fails to report for duty. For the past two to three days, it has been noticed that he attends work for just half an hour before leaving again.”

Corporator Expresses Frustration Over Kamlesh Vasava’s Behavior

As a representative of the people, I visited Kamlesh Vasava’s cabin today and asked him who had authorized his leave and how many days of leave he had taken. However, he refused to answer and simply told me that he was not obligated to answer any of my questions. We do not need such officers. 

From Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Chief Minister and the Mayor, all leaders are working day and night for the welfare of the people. But due to officers like him, the work of the people remains stalled. These officers are responsible for the difficulties faced by the public, as their actions never get implemented. He did not answer any of my questions and abruptly stood up and ran out of the cabin.

Officers Show Disrespect Towards Public Representatives in Varachha Zone

There was widespread discussion across the city about the absence of Kamlesh Vasava, the Executive Engineer at Varachha Zone. Often, officers ignore opposition party corporators due to political backing. However, in this case, the situation was different. When Dharmesh Bhalaniya, the BJP corporator from Ward No. 15, asked Kamlesh Vasava several questions, Vasava refused to answer any of them. 

The corporator identified himself as a public representative and mentioned that he was from the ruling party, yet the officer did not take him seriously. Such a poor situation for an elected representative within the corporation is rarely seen. If an officer refuses to listen to the concerns of a public representative, it raises questions about how they will address the issues of the general public. These scenes highlight the disrespect faced by elected officials.

Officer Unaware of Kamlesh Vasava’s Absence, No Action Taken

In a telephone conversation with R.B. Bhogayta, an official from the department, when asked whether he was aware of Kamlesh Vasava’s two-and-a-half-month absence and if any action had been taken against him, the officer responded, “I currently do not have any information on hand that I can provide.” 

When asked if Kamlesh Vasava had taken leave legally, the officer did not give a clear answer. Additionally, when inquiring whether the Municipal Commissioner had been informed by their department about Vasava’s absence, the officer did not offer any response.