The decision was taken at the general body meeting of the NMC after a three-hour long debate in which corporators, cutting across party lines, accused civic officials of sparing certain unauthorised structures while demolishing some others.

They also accused officials of accepting bribes, citing the example of health officer Chandrakant Palad, who was trapped by the Anti-Corruption Bureau on October 16 while accepting a bribe from a driver, Rajendra Bingadia.

Two glaring lapses were examined minutely: the demolition of authorised structures in Lingayat Colony and the unauthorised shops along the station road which were left untouched. Deputy municipal commissioner D P Parade informed the house that the structures at Lingayat Colony had been razed after a telephone call from a corporator,Satish Kulkarni.

Parade's statement, however, failed to convince the city fathers, who insisted on an inquiry into the demolition drive.

They pointed out that structures existing for over 25 years had been demolished without serving a notice.

Former mayor Vasant Gita (Shiv Sena) pointed out that the wall of the Kailas Math in Panchavati was illegal and was to have been pulled down with the temple priest's consent, and that nothing had been done so far.

Congress corporator Gajanan Shelar on the other hand suggested incentives to people like Rajendra Singadia, who were ``bold enough'' to trap corrupt officials.

The House was unanimous in demanding a probe into the irregularities committed during the demolition drive following which Mayor Ashok Dive announced the formation of an inquiry committee headed by the municipal commissioner. The committee has been asked to submit its report to the NMC within a week, after which action will be taken against the concerned officials.

Congress and BJP oustShiv Sena chief in Yeola Panchayat Samiti

The chairperson of the Yeola Panchayat Samiti, Sarita Ravindra Nagare, belonging to the Shiv Sena, was ousted through a `no confidence' motion.

The motion was moved by four Congress members -- Radhakrisan Sonawane, Kondaji Kadam, Alka Sapan Pawar and Dr Chandrakant Vaidya -- and a BJP member, Pushpatai Shalka. Nagare was charged with neglecting welfare schemes, insulting members and ``conducting business in a highhanded manner''.

A special meeting of the panchayat samiti, chaired by the sub-divisional officer Rajendra Kshirsagar, was called to hear the motion. Congress and BJP members remained firm on their charges, even as Nagare denied the accusations.

The motion was put to vote and passed with five members supporting it and Nagare opposing. Her trusted lieutenants Paruhuram Bhavar and Dagu Avhad remained absent.

The no-confidence motion brought Sena rule in the panchayat samiti to an end. Nagare had assumed power seven months ago with the support ofthe BJP and Congressman Parushuram Bhavar.