BackLAW
RTI activist murdered, officer attacked during inspection of quarry site in Virar
An RTI activist, Atmaram Patil, was killed and a circle officer injured during an inspection of a quarry site in Virar. Police said the attack involved five to six men; the quarry owner Mahesh Patil and his son Mayur Patil were named as accused and a search operation was launched.
Why It Matters
The incident highlights threats against local activists and the safety of revenue officials during site inspections, raising questions about accountability and enforcement around quarry operations.
Timeline
5 Events
Activist had raised objections to quarry for five years
May 12, 2026
Police noted that Atmaram Patil had been raising objections to the quarry for the past five years, alleging blasting activity caused tremors and pollution in the village.
Tehsildar notes quarry not illegal; concerns over late-night operations
May 12, 2026
Tehsildar Deepak Gaikwad said the quarry was not illegal, but villagers had concerns about operations continuing late into the night; officials conducted a spot survey following online complaints on the day of the attack.
Police register murder case; detain suspects and launch search
May 12, 2026
Police registered a murder case and detained three suspects; officers said they were tracing quarry owner Mahesh Patil and his son Mayur Patil, as part of a search operation.
RTI activist murdered during quarry inspection; circle officer attacked
May 12, 2026
Atmaram Patil, who had been accompanying circle officer Prabhakar Patil and revenue staff to inspect the disputed quarry, was assaulted by five to six men. His body was found inside the quarry around 12:30 pm; the circle officer sustained injuries to his ear.
Family alleges threats against RTI activist prior to murder
May 11, 2026
Family members alleged that Atmaram Patil had repeatedly complained to revenue authorities about the quarry and had previously received threats from the quarry owners; they said Mayur Patil threatened him again on Monday night.