Two cops suspended for assault on MNS legislator

The Maharashtra government has suspended two police officials in connection with the brutal assault on Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) legislator Harshavardhan Jadhav in Aurangabad, Home Minister RR Patil said here on Friday.

Patil's announcement came in the legislative assembly as a belligerent opposition continued to attack the government over the issue for the third time since the budget session started here last Monday.

He said inspector Abhiman Pawar and sub-inspector Suryakant Kokane have been suspended for their role in the attack on the legislator last January.

Besides, an inquiry by an officer of the rank of inspector general of police would be conducted against additional superintendent of police Arvind Chavadiya and sub-inspector S Palavade.

On Thursday, the house was adjourned thrice as opposition legislators had rushed near the Speaker and raised slogans against the government, and held Patil responsible for the incident as he handles the home portfolio.

Contending that he could have died due to the police attack on him, Jadhav demanded that the government must initiate proceedings under attempt to murder against the police personnel concerned.

The ruckus was followed by Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan setting up a seven-member committee to examine the entire issue.

This committee will be headed by Patil and include Cooperatives Minister Harshwardhan Patil, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) legislator Dilip Sopal, opposition leader Eknath Khadse (Bharatiya Janata Party), Shiv Sena group leader Subhash Desai, MNS group leader Bala Nandgaonkar and Peasants and Workers Party legislator Ganpatrao Deshmukh.

Jadhav was assaulted by policemen on security duty after he attempted to breach Chavan's security cordon during his visit to Aurangabad in January.

The entire political spectrum in the state, cutting across party lines sympathised with Jadhav and condemned the NCP's home minister Patil for lack of action in the matter.