20 March,2026 07:46 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah Khan
A screengrab of CCTV footage of the meeting, where Jayesh Kumar Raut
A major controversy is unfolding in Malad's P North ward, often referred to as a treasure trove, raising serious questions about alleged political patronage, repeated postings, and intimidation. At the heart of the matter is civic engineer Jayesh Kumar Raut, who, despite multiple transfers, has allegedly returned to the same ward.
Most recently, Raut - currently posted in the building and factory department of P North - was transferred to the sewerage department in Worli, with clear instructions from senior Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials to be relieved within three days. However, sources claim he has not yet been relieved and is allegedly attempting to stall the transfer.
Civic engineer Jayesh Kumar Raut
Social worker and activist Zakir Husain Khan had filed a formal complaint with senior authorities, including the BMC. Khan alleged that Raut approached him and attempted to "settle" the matter by offering money to withdraw complaints filed against him. When Khan refused, the situation allegedly worsened. Khan, a businessman and whistleblower active in the Malwani area, said he had repeatedly raised concerns through RTI applications and official letters regarding Raut's postings and alleged irregularities, following which a departmental inquiry was reportedly initiated
Social worker and activist Zakir Husain Khan
Speaking to mid-day, Khan further alleged that during a meeting on March 10 near Liberty Garden, Raut smashed a glass on his own head and threatened to falsely implicate him in a criminal case. Khan claimed the act was intended to intimidate and pressure him into withdrawing his complaint so that the transfer could be stalled. Fearing for his safety, Khan has written to top authorities, including the Mumbai police commissioner, seeking urgent action. He has also warned that he would approach the Bombay High Court if no action is taken
Meanwhile, sources from the BMC's P North ward, speaking on condition of anonymity, said all formalities related to the transfer had been completed, and the order had already been signed by the officer concerned. However, Raut had allegedly not reported to collect the transfer papers
According to RTI records, Raut has been posted in P North ward on three occasions: first in February 2013 as a junior engineer (till December 2016); second in August 2017 as a secondary engineer (till September 2021); and third in October 2024, where he continues despite a transfer order issued on March 10, 2026, shifting him to Worli's sewerage department
Raut denied all allegations. Speaking to mid-day, he termed the claims "completely false" and alleged that activists were harassing Khan, who he termed a land grabber with multiple cases against his name in Malwani police station, and were blackmailing him. He added that he had filed a complaint at Malad police station, and the process of registering an FIR was underway. "Once it is registered, I will share a copy and speak in detail. Right now, I am busy," he said.
