Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) vice-president and his brother were today charged with rioting, assault and dacoity following a complaint lodged against them by a businessman in suburban Kurla, police said.
MNS vice-president Haji Araafat Shaikh and his brother Imran Shaikh had, on June 10, accompanied by their supporters, assaulted the victim at his plywood shop with bamboos and took away cash Rs 3.75 lakh kept in the locker, they said.
According to police, a few years back the victim, Hasan Mohammed Nurul, had lodged a complaint in civil court against a builder, Manoj Nathani, opposing his plan to construct seventh floor on Manav Drishti building where Hasan resides.
"Being chairman of the building I opposed the move and a city civil court delivered verdict in my favour two years ago. Now the builder approached High Court against me and society members," victim Hasan said.
"On June 30, Imran had argued with Hasan, telling him to withdraw the case against builder Nathani," said police inspector S Yadav from Kurla Police station.
"Haji, Imran and about 15 supporters barged into the office of the victim and assaulted him. The victim told us that they took away cash Rs 3.75 lakh," the officer added.
{{/usCountry}}"Haji, Imran and about 15 supporters barged into the office of the victim and assaulted him. The victim told us that they took away cash Rs 3.75 lakh," the officer added.
{{/usCountry}}Asked why he had not lodged complaint on the same day when he was assaulted, Hasan said he was under pressure from politicians. Imran had also lodged a non-cognisable offence against Hasan, alleging that he had threatened and abused him.