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'Z' security given to deposed Sena ministers in Maharashtra

The Maharashtra government has provided 'Z' category security to former ministers Gulabrao Gawande and Suresh Navle, Home Minister L K Advani informed the Lok Sabha today.

Advani said he had taken up the matter with the Maharashtra government after concern was expressed in the House yesterday over threats of violence to both these former ministers and their families.

Opposition parties led by the Congress had accused the Shiv Sena activists of resorting to strong-arm tactics in intimidating the rebel ministers and of engineering a collapse of law and order in the state.

Advani said on July 19, 1998, Gawande lodged a complaint at the Cuffe Parade police station that he was receiving threatening telephone calls. A case under Sections 504 and 506 (2) of the IPC was registered in this connection. Police personnel were also detailed for his protection. The next day, information was received by the DCP, zone-I, that some people might demonstrate in front of Gawande's bungalow. The DCP visited the bungalow immediately and beefed up security. 'Z' security has since been provided to Gawande and the members of his family.

On July 20, Navle stated in the Vidhan Sabha that about 250 people had entered his bungalow at 1130 hours and some of them had threatened to shoot him. He further stated that some of those who had entered his bungalow were carrying firearms. However, according to the FIR lodged by Navle, a group of 15 to 20 men had entered his bungalow office. Advani said on Navle's complaint, a case under Sections 141, 143, 144, 147, 148, 149, 452, 506 (2) of the IPC r/w sections 37(1) (3) and 135 of the Bombay Police Act and section 3/25 of the Arms Act was registered. Two persons have been arrested in this connection. Efforts are being made to nab other culprits.

Navle has also been provided with 'Z' category security along with his family members at Bombay as well as at his native place, Advani added.

UNI

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