Maharashtra orders probe in Maval police firing

The Maharashtra Government on Wednesday ordered an investigation by a retired high court judge into the police firing in which three farmers were killed during violent protests in Pune district yesterday.

The incident rocked both Houses of the Maharashtra Legislature, with the Opposition demanding inquiry under the Commission of Inquiry Act. The protest was against the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation's plan to supply piped water from Pawna dam.

Rejecting the Opposition demand, state Home Minister RR Patil told the Assembly after a three-hour debate that a probe would be intiated by a retired judge of the high court within the next three months. Patil said those who instigated yesterday's agitation will also be inquired into.

His comments provoked opposition parties to shout slogan against the state government and the House was adjourned twice.

Patil told the Assembly that the first bullet was fired by a civilian from a private car and not the police. He said a hunt is on for the man and action would also be taken against the police if they were found guilty.

In the state council, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar countered the Opposition's attack on the government alleging that yesterday's agitation was organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He expressed sympathy for those who died in police firing but warned opposition parties not to politicise the issue as water supply through the proposed pipeline would help provide safe and potable water to the growing population in Pimpri Chinwad.

Pawar said jobs will be provided to the next of kin of those killed in the firing. Besides, a member of the project-affected family would be accomodated in the Pimpri Chinchwad Corporation if he or she meets the job criteria. In case of unskilled persons the corporation will provide a plot to earn their livelihood.

Both Pawar and Patil showed a letter written by former legislator and present Shiv Sena MP Gajanan Babar seeking piped water supply. They said similar letters were written by the BJP farmers’ wing.

Earlier, the Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Eknath Khadse criticised the police firing on farmers and demanded an inquiry under the Commission of Inquiry Act and a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the families of those killed.