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Patel brother faces battery charge

By SHANNON COLAVECCHIO-VAN SICKLER
Published February 24, 2006

TAMPA - Pradip C. Patel, an aspiring downtown redeveloper and brother to local philanthropist Kiran C. Patel, was arrested Thursday after an argument with his adult daughter turned physical, jail records show.

Patel, 54, was booked on a misdemeanor charge of domestic battery, records state. He posted $2,500 bail Thursday afternoon and was released from the Orient Road Jail.

Patel and his daughter Tunvi, 25, got into an argument at 8 a.m. Thursday at Patel's home, 2816 Safe Harbor Drive in Carrollwood, according to an arrest affidavit. Patel grabbed her by her right arm and twisted it, injuring her, the affidavit states. Patel's wife, Naini, witnessed the incident, the affidavit reports.

Sheriff's spokeswoman Debbie Carter said Pradip Patel called authorities. When deputies arrived, his daughter told them he had twisted her arm, Carter said.

Naini Patel said Thursday afternoon that the family has no comment on the private matter.

Pradip Patel was formerly president of Well Care Florida, a Medicare managed care company owned by his brother until its sale in 2002.

Pradip Patel recently proposed two downtown redevelopment projects.

He paid $3.8-million in 2004 for the site of the former Maas Brothers department store, planning to build condominiums and retail space. But last month he said he is selling it to developer Wood Partners. In September, city officials announced that a group headed by Patel was no longer negotiating to redevelop the old federal courthouse.

Times staff writer Janet Zink and Times researcher Cathy Wos contributed to this report.

[Last modified February 24, 2006, 01:37:23]