A case has been filed against unknown individuals for illegally extracting stones and water from a plot of land at Atkoli in Bhiwandi, allocated for the scientific management of solid waste by the Thane Municipal Corporation. The stolen materials include approximately 5410 brass stones and 10 to 15 tankers of water taken every day.

The state government had provided 34 hectares of land at Atkoli to the Thane Municipal Corporation for a project to manage solid waste in a scientific manner. Preparatory work was underway on the plot when the corporation began receiving complaints about illegal activities on the land. It was reported that unknown persons were quarrying stones from the site, prompting the municipal authorities to close all access roads to prevent unauthorized entry.

On January 3, Deputy Commissioner (Solid Waste Management) Manish Joshi, Health Officer Dr. Rani Shinde, and other officials conducted an inspection of the site. During the inspection, they discovered that the access roads, previously closed, had been illegally reopened. Upon further examination, it was found that stone quarrying was taking place and approximately 5410 tons of stone had been excavated. Citizens from the area also reported that 10 to 15 tankers of water were being stolen from a natural water source on the land every day.

Following these findings, Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao instructed Assistant Commissioner (Solid Waste Management) Sunil More to lodge a formal complaint at the Padgha Police Station. A case has been registered under Sections 303(2) and 329(3) of the Indian Penal Code, 2023. The Padgha Police have begun their investigation into the matter.