Yashwant Sonawane's killers will not be spared: Prithviraj Chavan

Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan today asserted that his government will ensure severe punishment to the killers of Malegaon additional collector Yashwant Sonawane.

"Nobody will be spared. The accused have been arrested. My government has taken serious note of the ghastly incident and we will go into the root of the anti-social activities of sand and oil mafia and adulterators," he told reporters after launching the UID scheme in Mumbai.

He said government officials have been instructed to take adequate police protection while going to search or raid places of anti-social elements.

On the proposed strike of government employees tomorrow to protest against the incident, Chavan said he understood the anger of the government employees. "But please ensure that the common man is not affected due to this," he appealed.

To a poser on allegations of nexus between politicians and oil and sand mafia, Chavan said, "Conclusive evidence should be provided instead of vague allegations."

Chavan has already announced a compensation of Rs25 lakh for Sonawane's family, besides full salary till the date of his retirement, government job for one dependent, educational expenses of his children till they complete their graduation, and also a house.

Sonawane was burnt alive by suspected members of a local oil mafia near Manmad in Nashik district yesterday.