Home India Politics Uproar in Maharashtra assembly over cops’ unauthorised entry

Uproar in Maharashtra assembly over cops’ unauthorised entry

By IANS,

Mumbai : Proceedings in the Maharashtra assembly were repeatedly stalled Friday as members demanded suspension of two police officials who allegedly entered the Vidhan Bhavan complex without proper passes to arrest two legislators two days ago.

The proceedings could not be conducted smoothly for the second consecutive day Friday as members cutting across party lines sought action against the police officials. The house was adjourned twice over the issue.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Girish Bapat raised the issue Friday morning, demanding announcement of suspension of the two Mumbai Police Crime Branch officers who entered the legislature Wednesday to arrest two legislators for beating up a cop, Sachin Suryawanshi, the previous day.

Bapat said the upper house had announced the suspension of the officials Thursday, but the lower house failed to do so.

Bapat also demanded a review of the CCTV footage of the Suryawanshi assault incident. He said if the legislators accused of assault were not found involved, then the decision of their suspension from the house till the year-end must be reconsidered.

The BJP legislator also pointed out that traffic Assistant Police Inspector Suryawanshi was not on duty when he was targeted by the legislators Tuesday. Therefore, he said, it was wrong to book them under provisions of Section 353 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which amounts to obstructing a public servant from conducting his duties.

Members supported Bapat’s contention, saying that this was tantamount to injustice on the suspended legislators. Noisy scenes continued, forcing adjournment of the proceedings for the day.