Source: 
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/4-Mumbai-Lok-Sabha-seats-may-see-re-election-if-MPs-charged-with-serious-criminal-cases-are-found-guilty-within-a-year/articleshow/35271556.cms
Date: 
18.05.2014
City: 
Mumbai

MUMBAI: There might be a re-election in four of the six Lok Sabha constituencies in the city within a year if the victorious candidates are convicted in the criminal cases against them, said the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) in its analysis of financial and criminal records of the winners.

The ADR said there were serious criminal charges against Arvind Sawant from Mumbai South, Rahul Shewale from Mumbai South-Central, Kirit Somaiya from Mumbai North-East and Gopal Shetty from Mumbai North. They could not be reached for comment on Saturday.

"After ordering disqualification of MPs and MLAs immediately after conviction for heinous offences, the Supreme Court on March 10, 2014, took a second big step towards cleansing the political process by directing that trial proceedings in cases of corruption and serious crimes against elected representatives must be completed in a year," Sharad Kumar, member, ADR, said.

Sawant is accused of criminal intimidation. Shewale is accused of voluntarily hurting a public servant to deter him from carrying out his duty; he is also accused of dishonestly receiving stolen property. Somaiya faces three charges, one of voluntarily hurting a public servant and two of house trespass with prior preparation for assault. Shetty is accused of voluntarily hurting a public servant, criminal intimidation, and cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property.

Shewale's wealth grew 6,980.80% in two years after the BMC election in 2012. He was standing committee chairman for four terms.

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