Maharashtra MLAs allegedly assault cop

The law makers disrupted house proceedings over alleged 'manhandling' of legislators by police

The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly today witnessed dramatic scenes after some members allegedly assaulted a police officer on the premises of the House.

Four MLAs - Kshitij Thakur, Ram Kadam, Rajan Salvi and Pradeep Jaiswal - were allegedly involved in the assault of Assistant Sub-Inspector Sachin Suryavanshi. The scuffle happened after one of the MLAs, Thakur, moved a breach of privilege motion against the police officer, saying the policeman had stopped his car yesterday, when he was on the way to the Assembly.

On seeing the officer sitting in the visitor’s gallery, Thakur pounced on him. Later, the three other legislators joined Thakur to thrash the police officer.

Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan and Speaker Dilip Walse Patil condemned the incident. An inquiry has been ordered and strict action would be taken against those involved, said the Speaker.

Chavan told reporters that investigations are being carried out by the speaker and by the government. He, however, did not elaborate on what action would taken, except that it would be taken on Wednesday, when the finance minister and deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar is due to present the annual Budget for 2013-14.

A minister, who did not wish to be identified, said the action could be in the form of suspension of the legislators concerned and also of the police officer.

Thakur is an independent legislator. Ram Kadam belongs to the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, and Rajan Salvi is a Shiv Sena MLA, while Pradeep Jaiswal is an independent.