Cops on the lookout for men who stopped octroi inspectors in Mankhurd

The Mankhurd police, based on a complaint by the civic body, have launched a manhunt for around 45 people who allegedly gheraod octroi inspectors at the Mankhurd checkpoint to prevent them from checking three trucks and ensure their passage in the city without paying octroi.

As per the complaint, around 12 men out of the 45 came in two four-wheelers, while the rest were already strategically present at the location. The incident took place on June 25 and, as per the FIR, octroi inspector Sheshrao Rathod (46) was on duty at the checkpoint. Around 2.55am, Rathod, along with another octroi inspector Suresh Harkare, driver Arvind Pawar and security officers Devdas Barve, Kokane, Chavan, Wadawane, Tetawe and Navgire, was carrying out his duty, when an Innova (MH-02-JK-4388) and a Scorpio (MH-04-BB-9339) came there from the Vashi bridge.

"Around 12 people alighted and encircled the officer. They also called a few others already at the spot to close in on the inspectors," said an officer.

"The octroi inspectors were completely helpless and could not check the trucks entering Mumbai from Navi Mumbai."

The inspectors told the police that they saw three trucks pass uninspected, thereby evading octroi duty on whatever goods they were carrying. The accused left immediately after the trucks had passed.

The Mankhurd police said they have identified the trucks. "One of them was later apprehended by the VB Nagar police in Kurla (West).

A case has been registered against unknown people under sections 143 (unlawful assembly), 341 (wrongful restraint) and 353 (assault or criminal force on a public servant) of the Indian Penal Code.