MLA beats up Mantralaya official, staff go on flash strike

After Bachchu Kadu, an independent MLA, allegedly beat up an officer of deputy secretary rank Mantralaya employees went on a flash strike.

After Bachchu Kadu, an independent MLA, allegedly beat up an officer of deputy secretary rank on Tuesday, Mantralaya employees went on a flash strike.

The incident occurred around 2pm on Tuesday when Bachchu Kadu went to Bhaurao Gavit, who works with general administration department, abused him and slapped him. (HT Photo)

The incident occurred around 2pm when Kadu went to Bhaurao Gavit, who works with general administration department, abused him and slapped him.

Gavit started feeling uneasy after the incident and was taken to St George Hospital.

Deputy secretary Satish Jondhale said there was a complaint against Ajay Jadhav, a clerk from public works department, who was found residing at government quarters at Bandra despite having a flat in Virar allotted by discretionary powers of the chief minister.

Gavit had sent the file to the CM secretariat for final approval saying that rules do not permit the officer to stay at government quarters. This angered Kadu, who stormed into Gavit’s office and beat him up, said Jondhale.

The Maharashtra State Mantralaya Officers Organisation (MSMOO) immediately declared a flash strike. MSMOO president Ramchandra Dhanawade said they would strike work until Kadu is arrested. “Gavit is a member of Dalit community and thus Kadu should be booked under Dalit Atrocities Act,” Dhanawade said.

“I have not beaten anyone. We had a heated exchange,” Kadu said. He said he had taken up the issue of an official who wanted extension for residing in government quarters as his wife had been operated recently.

The Marine Drive police have registered a case against Kadu and his associate for obstructing an officer from performing his duties.

The state government has ordered an inquiry into the incident. Revenue minister Eknath Khadse said, “We have ordered an inquiry.”