Crime Branch to probe attack on lady IAS officer

Deputy chief minister and home minister RR Patil on Tuesday announced a probe by the Mumbai crime branch in the alleged attack on IAS officer and Sindhudurg Collector Nidhi Pande in Mantralaya last week. He said the government had taken the issue very seriously and action will be taken against the police official concerned if there is any delay found in registration of the complaint.

Pande was in Mantralaya last Friday when she was allegedly pushed  down the staircase when she had come to the building to attend a hearing  on the fifth floor. Marine Drive police station apparently delayed lodging  a complaint.

“If any lady is being attacked in Mantralaya, it’s a matter of serious concern for us. Whoever is the culprit will be booked soon,” he said.

Patil said that he had asked Mumbai police commissioner Hasan Gafoor for an inquiry against additional commissioner of police Hemant Nagrale. Nagrale’s wife has levelled allegation against him of harassment. Both the issues were raised in the Council through Point of Proprietary on Tuesday by Sena MLC Neelam Gorhe and NCP MLC Jitendra Avhad.

It may be recalled that Nidhi has been fighting with her estranged husband IPS officer Deepak Pande over the divorce issue for last few years. While Deepak has denied of involvement in the attack on Nidhi in Mantralaya, women IAS officials have taken the
issue very seriously.