Maharashtra farmers’ protest against Nevali airbase: 26 held; senior police officer transferred

Mumbai city news: Police arrested the 26 accused after they were discharged from the hospital

Almost after a week after farmers’ protests in Kalyan against a proposed defence airport in Nevali turned violent, police arrested 26 accused on Thursday night. They are among those who were injured during the protests and admitted to hospital. Police said they were involved in pelting stones and damaging police vans.

Several police vehicles were destroyed in the unrest. (HT File Photo)

In light of the unrest, senior police officer from zone 4, Mohan Waghmare, has been transferred. “Hill Line senior police inspector Mohan Waghmare was transferred owing to this incident. He is a good at his job, but senior police officers decided to transfer him. When violence broke out, he was the first person to reach the spot. He handled the situation for 30 minutes, aided by a small police force,” said an officer, who did not wish to be identified.

On June 22, more than 6,500 villagers were about to conduct a silent protest against the construction on the farm land. However, a mob that had planned to destroy police vans and assault officers arrived and set seven police vehicles on fire. They also blocked several roads. The situation was brought under control only six hours later.

Deputy commissioner of police from zone 4, Sunil Bhardwaj, refused to comment on the transfer, but confirmed the arrests.

“Till now, we have arrested 58 people who were involved in violence. We sought permission from doctors to nab the accused after they were discharged from the hospital. We questioned the accused, but they refuse to co-operate,” he said.

Police have formed 10 teams to nab the accused who are on the run.