Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
In connection with the lathi-charge incident at the vote-counting centre following a dispute over the demand for election identity cards, a case has been registered against former city mayor Vikas Jain, newly elected corporator Abhijit Jeevanwal, and Shiva Rajput, son of Raju Rajput.
Acting on a complaint filed by assistant police commissioner Sagar Deshmukh, police have alleged that the accused grabbed the collars of three police officers, pushed them, and attempted to forcibly enter the counting centre. The vote-counting process held in the city on Friday began amid controversy over the lathi-charge involving political office-bearers. From 6 am onwards, a tight security arrangement was deployed at the Government Engineering College under the supervision of ACP Sagar Deshmukh and other officers. Candidates and their authorised representatives were issued identity cards by election officials for entry into the centre. Police inspector Pramod Kathane and assistant police inspector Sachin Mirde, along with their teams, were verifying these IDs at the entry point. At the same time, candidates of the Shinde faction and their representatives attempted to enter the counting centre. Kathane and Mirde instructed them to produce their identity cards. According to the complaint, Vikas Jain and the other two objected, arguing, “Don’t you know who I am? Open the gate,” and pushed the barricades. Police requested them to allow verification of their identity cards.
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Collar-grabbing, scuffle and heated arguments
While police were issuing instructions, Jain, Rajput and Jeevanwal allegedly grabbed the officers by the collar and pushed them. ACP Deshmukh attempted to pacify Jain; however, Jain allegedly pushed and assaulted him as well. As outside supporters then tried to enter the premises, police used limited and mild force and escorted Jain towards the counting centre, the complaint states.
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Sections invoked
A case has been registered under BNS Sections 135 (assault on a person), 132 (assault on a public servant to deter him from duty), 221 (obstructing government work), and 222 (refusal to cooperate with a public servant). Police inspector Pravina Yadav is conducting further investigation.