Khaki-khadi tussle to intensify in state

A day after the police withdrew their security cover, the five legislators suspended for allegedly beating up a police officer in Vidhan Bhavan on March 19 have decided to intensify their fight against the police for what they believe is an act of vendetta.

A day after the police withdrew their security cover, the five legislators suspended for allegedly beating up a police officer in Vidhan Bhavan on March 19 have decided to intensify their fight against the police for what they believe is an act of vendetta.

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The action is expected to start a fresh round of sparring as some legislators have decided to bring it up during the ongoing budget session on Monday.

MNS legislator Ram Kadam said he would take the issue up with the concerned authorities. BJP’s Jaikumar Rawal did not react despite repeated calls and text messages. Another suspended MLA, Kshitij Thakur, who along with Kadam, was arrested on charges of assaulting PSI Sachin Suryavanshi, did not have a security cover.

Sources close to the MLAs say they would also complain to the high-powered panel probing the incident, and would write to Assembly speaker Dilip Walse-Patil and chief minister Prithviraj Chavan seeking their intervention.

Madhukar Pandey, additional commissioner of police (protection and security) confirmed that the security cover had been withdrawn. “The security cover of Ram Kadam has been withdrawn considering his prior criminal record and the recent attack on the policeman.”