Agni Aviation, a city-based private agency is embroiled in a controversy with one of the partners approaching the police seeking protection from the other

Partners' feud turns ugly

Agni Aviation, a city-based private agency is embroiled in a controversy with one of the partners approaching the police seeking protection from the other.

It is the same agency that had carried out cloud seeding for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and had also leased out the plane carrying actress Soundarya that crashed.

Wing commander (retd), KT Sebastian of Agni Aviation has alleged that his business partner, Arvind Sharma, has tried to take over his house and threatened his family members over a business dispute.

Sebastian claimed that Sharma was his partner in Agni Aviation consultants since 2003 and they were operating out of Jakkur Aerodrome.

Threatened

In his complaint, Sebastian alleged that Sharma came with a group of 10 goons and claimed Sebastian's residence to be his office.

"A few months ago, the relationship turned sour, following which Sharma has been harassing me and has even prevented my employees from working. He tried to take over the business and wanted to keep me out of the business," Sebastian said in a police complainant.

Sebastian approached the city civil and sessions court on October 22, 2009, and got an interim order restraining Sharma from disturbing the business. However, on Thursday, Sharma along with his associates, allegedly barged into Sebastian's residence and threatened him if he approached the police.

"Sharma threatened to take over my house if I came to the office," Sebastian told the police. "I have a lot of official work pending and I cannot work under constant threat," he infomed the police adding that Sharma had violated the court order that directed him to not interfere in the day-to-day work until the case was resolved.

Sharma refuted the charges saying, "Sebastian is lying and he was not the partner for Agni Aviation but for Agni Consultants. However, gradually Sebastian started laying claim on the partnership in Agni Aviation, which bothered me."

Sharma clarified that when he started questioning the move, Sebastian started leveling allegations and even faked complaints against him.

"I am ready to face any consequences, the investigation by the police would bring out the clear picture," he said. Seeking police protection, Sharma added, "My aged and ailing parents-in-law as well as myu00a0 wife are intimidated by the sudden developments and they fear for their lives."

The Koramangala police confirmed booking the case and said they would soon question Sharma.