Ambernath MNS workers allegedly attack BJP office-bearer, city chief arrested

MNS chief Shailesh Shirke arrested after alleged assault on BJP leader (Representational image)

Police have arrested the Ambernath city unit president of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and his aide for allegedly assaulting a local BJP office-bearer in the latter's office, officials said on Thursday.

As per PTI, the incident broke out during the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday and was a fallout of a previous enmity, they said.

Following the incident, the police arrested MNS Ambernath city chief Shailesh Shirke and his associate. Following their arrest, a court in Ulhasnagar has remanded them in three days of police custody.

An official, while briefing about the incident, said, "Laxmi Narayan Chauhan, a local BJP office-bearer, was sitting in his office in the Vadavali area along with friends and family members when Shirke and other MNS workers forcibly entered it at night."

He further added, "They allegedly pulled down the shutter of his office and trapped several women inside. After that, they brought Chauhan outside and assaulted him on the street," as per PTI.

BJP leaders filed a complaint at Shivaji Nagar Police Station

Following the incident, BJP leaders and workers rushed to the Shivaji Nagar police station to register a complaint. However, tension flared further when MNS supporters also arrived at the police station.

Ruckus between BJP and MNS workers at Shivaji Police Station

Subsequently, a heated argument broke out on the police station premises, escalating into a brawl. The enraged BJP workers allegedly assaulted Shirke there and severely damaged his vehicle. However, the police personnel intervened to separate the clashing groups and brought the situation under control.

Based on the complaint, the police registered a case against Shirke and his associate under the charges of extortion, robbery, house trespass, house break-in, and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, as per PTI.

Furthermore, the court sent Shirke and his aide to three days of police custody. Following the complaint filed by Shirke, MNS leaders have also filed a counter-complaint against the BJP workers involved in allegedly assaulting Shirke and vandalising his vehicle.

Security was stepped up at sensitive pockets in Ambernath following the incident, the official said.

(With inputs from PTI)