Maha CM orders inquiry into Collector's murder

Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan ordered an inquiry into the gruesome murder of Malegaon Additional District Collector Yashwant Sonawane allegedly by petrol and diesel mafia today and said strict action will be taken against the culprits.

"The government would not tolerate attacks on the officials and strict action would be taken against those responsible for burning Sonawane. I have ordered an inquiry in the matter," Chavan said.

The Chief Minister also condoled the family of the victim, who was burnt alive at a roadside Dhaba near Manmad town, about 260 km from Mumbai.

Additional Chief Secretary of Home Department Umeshchandra Sarangi said, "Sonawane was without security and was accompanied by his personal secretary only. After the incident, everyone fled from the spot."

The district Inspector General and Superintendent of Police reached the spot immediately and are inquiring the matter, the official said.

Sonawane, a 1994 batch officer, started his career as a Deputy Collector and was promoted to the office over a year.