BJP MLA beats up cop

Bhandara: BJP MLA from Bhandara Ramchandra Punaji Avasare allegedly beat up a traffic constable at Tumsar police station following a parking violation by his car driver on Wednesday.

The police registered an offence under Section 353 of the IPC for assaulting a public servant but could not arrest Avasare as he, along with his driver, are allegedly untraceable.

Avasare had gone to Tumsar to attend the concluding function of ‘Tiranga Yatra’ led by BJP MP Nana Patole on Wednesday evening. As the yatra reached the main road, Avasare’s driver Tularam Selokar parked his Innova car on the road and started recording the event on his mobile.

The on-duty traffic constable Sathavane asked Selokar to remove his car as it was blocking the traffic. Since the driver failed to heed the cop’s repeated pleas, he was taken to the police station.

While registering of offence was underway, police station officer Shetye was present in the chamber.

Meanwhile, Avasare, who learnt about his driver being picked up by police. reached the police station.

Without ascertaining the facts, Avasare called Sathavane and started beating and abusing him. Then, the MLA took his driver and left.

It is learnt that Avasare left for Nagpur from Bhandara in the morning with two bags. On Thursday, he attended a meeting convened by irrigation minister Girish Mahajan in Nagpur and left for Mumbai.

The police are still searching him.