Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Police have arrested five people including the son of a BJP leader for vandalising the vehicle service centre owned by Milind Mahajan, son of former Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, an official said on Monday. One accused is still at large. Two employees of the service centre got injured in the incident.
On Monday, hundreds of Mahajan’s supporters reached police commissioner Santosh Kumar Singh’s office and gave him a memorandum demanding strict action against the accused. The CP assured them that he had formed a special investigation team (SIT) under the supervision of DCP zone (1) Vinod Kumar Meena to investigate the case thoroughly and will present a strong charge sheet before the court so that all accused get strict punishment.
CCTV Footage: The car showroom of former LS speaker Sumitra Mahajan’s son, Milind Mahajan vandalized#MadhyaPradesh #madhyapradeshnews pic.twitter.com/35jR5sWqyL
— Free Press Madhya Pradesh (@FreePressMP) December 7, 2024
According to police, the accused Saurabh Karosiya, Mohit Gehat, Abhay Bhatrod, Sahil alias Bittu Dhaulpur and Tarun alias Tannu are arrested while the tanker driver is still absconding. Saurabh Karosiya is the nephew of BJP leader Pratap Karosiya, who holds designation of a minister of state. One of the arrested, Tarun, is a sanitation worker in the municipal corporation. Another accused, Mohit, works in place of his father in IMC. DCP Vinod Kumar Meena informed Free Press that the SIT will be led by ACP Ashish Patel and he will supervise it. He said police have added severe sections of rioting and extortion against the accused. The police have got their remand till December 14.
DCP Meena further said that the altercation was over paying a service bill. The service centre’s bill was made for Rs 12,500 and the main accused Saurabh was willing to pay only Rs 10,000, leading to an argument. The accused allegedly tried to leave without paying the full amount. When the showroom staff attempted to stop him, Saurabh, along with his associates assaulted the employees and vandalized the premises. Initially, the police registered a case under minor sections. However, after video footage emerged and the case became politically sensitive, the police conducted a thorough investigation. On Sunday night, additional charges under Section 308(5) (extortion), Section 190 and Section 191(2) (rioting) were added. These charges are non-bailable and carry imprisonment up to 10 years.
SIT to monitor case till chargesheet is filed: CP
Commissioner of Police Santosh Kumar Singh said, “We are looking into the criminal records of all accused. They would be interrogated during their remand. The charges added are severe and non-bailable. The SIT will work till the chargesheet is filed. It will ensure that witnesses are present in court and scientific evidence, like video footage is used to secure convictions. If threats are made to the complainant, we will file another FIR against those responsible.”
