Security at risk; Maha gazetted officers on strike

Nasik, Jan 27: Citing the wicked move by the "Kerosene mafia" who set ablaze the Additional Collector of Malegaon Yashwant Sonawane, Maharashtra gazetted officers began strike in the state on Thursday, Jan 27.

Demanding more protection for themselves and strict punishment for those behind Sonawane's murder, the officers went for strike as they stated, "Employees at all departments of the state government including mantralaya, sales tax, revenue and all others will not go to office today and will be protesting by arranging rallies."

The spokesperson of the gazetted officers said, "We have two demands - one is full protection to the officers and employees while on duty; and second is that these mafias etc who are taking law into their hands must be punished severely."

According the sources, the prime accused Popat Shinde, whose wife died recently, rushed to the hub of his illegal trade where Sonawane was conducting the raid.

After a fracas, Popat poured kerosene on the additional collector and set him ablaze, police sources said.

However, Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Cahvan assured, "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 adulteration."

Chavan has already announced a compensation of Rs 25 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.

OneIndia News