Maharashtra MLAs unite in face-off with police over colleagues' arrest

The Maharashtra Assembly was adjourned for the day today after members from all parties disrupted proceedings while demanding action against the two police officers who had come to Vidhan Bhawan without authorisation to arrest MLAs, accused of beating a policeman.

The members also demanded that the suspension of five legislators should be revoked.

Girish Bapat (BJP) said unless the two crime branch officers, who had come to Vidhan Bhawan on Wednesday to arrest the MLAs, are not suspended and the suspension of legislators is not revoked, the proceedings of the House cannot be normal.

He said traffic police officer Sachin Suryavanshi, who was allegedly thrashed by MLAs on Tuesday, was not on duty when he came to Vidhan Bhawan and hence, to book the MLAs under section 353 which amounts to obstructing a public servant from conducting his duties, was wrong.

"This is injustice to the legislators," he said.

The Lower House saw two adjournments of one hour each before Deputy Speaker Vasant Purke adjourned it for the day.

Except laying of papers related to assurances given on the floor of the House during the debate on grants in Budget session of 2011, no other business was transacted.

As soon as the House assembled for the day at 11 AM, Bapat demanded that the government makes an announcement of suspension of the two officers immediately.

"Announcement of suspension of one of the officers was made in the Legislative Council yesterday. Why was it not made in the Lower House?" he asked.

Bapat also said the CCTV footage of beating up of the policeman be rechecked and if the MLAs are not seen doing what they have been accused of, the decision of their suspension be re-considered.

All members were on their feet demanding strict action against the police officers.

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