Uproar in Assembly over assault on Shiv Sena MLA

Mumbai, Jul 23: Maharashtra Legislative Assembly proceedings were disrupted today due to pandemonium over the issue of assault on Shiv Sena MLA from Nanded, Anusuya Khedekar by local police officials, during an agitation led by her last month.

The issue was raised by Ms Khedekar after the Question Hour, when she alleged that while she was leading the 'morcha' against inflation and scarcity of fertilisers, a local PSI, Sonavane 'misbehaved and slapped' her.

The Shiv Sena and BJP members demanded suspension of the officer. Leader of the opposition Ramdas Kadam, BJP leader Eknath Khadse were among those demanding the suspension.

Refusing to yield to the demand of suspension, Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil said an IG level officer would inquire into the incident. ''The officer may be transferred,'' he said, trying to pacify the opposition.

The speaker assured the House that he was accepting the privilege notice against the officer, moved by Ms Khedekar, and would direct the Privilege Committee to submit its report within two months.

However, these assurances could not pacify the angry opposition and uproar prevailed in the House, as members trooped in to the well, shouting slogans denouncing the government.

Amidst this, the speaker adjourned the House for 15 minutes, after which proceedings were completed in a hurry.

UNI