R R Patil virtually gave a clean chit to the Sena executive president against whom an FIR has been registered in connection with poll violence at Katol.
Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister R R Patil on Tuesday virtually gave a clean chit to the Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray against whom the Congress has filed a counter-FIR in connection with rioting at Katol during campaigning for the Ramtek Lok Sabha bypoll on April 7.
“When I asked the investigating officer in the case whether Uddhav was present at the time of the incident, I was told that Uddhav, who was being followed by a police convoy, was not present there. However, when a complaint is lodged, under Supreme Court guidelines, it is binding on the police to register it,” Patil told the council.
Meanwhile, a senior local police official, on conditions of anonymity, maintained that Rane was very much present at the scene of the rioting. Stating that the video CD of the incident had been sent to the government for further action, he added, “The Congress cadre was instigated into launching an attack on the Sena office, thereby provoking the Sainiks into making derogatory gestures.’’
Commending Patil’s announcement, the Shiv Sena spokesperson and Member of Parliament Sanjay Raut said it reflected the rule of law in state. “It seems that the Home Department and intelligence agencies are working,” he commented. Stating that he was with Uddhav in Nagpur at the time of the incident, Raut appreciated the Home Minister’s “correct investigation” in the matter.
Uddhav was booked on April 7 in connection with the clash between Congress and Sena workers at Katol in Ramtek Lok Sabha constituency, where by-election was held yesterday.
Senior BJP member Nitin Gadkari’s contended that since Uddhav was not involved in the incident and hence his name be removed from the FIR.
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