Cops harass Samruddhi protesters
NCP sides with agitators, warns govt against using police machinery
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) warned the state government to stop harassing leaders of Sangharsh Samiti against Samruddhi Corridor and said that the government would be in trouble if it uses police machinery against protestors.
After lodging chapter cases against farmers who opposed to give their land to Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Corridor, economic offence wing (EOW) has started harassing Baban Harne, leader of the Sangharsh Samiti, claiming he has purchased agricultural land and flats by cheating and threatening farmers.
On a complaint filed by Arun Sinh Thakur, Vasai district president of Bharatiya Janata Party, Thane branch of EOW summoned Baban Harne, leader of Sangharsh Samiti who poured fuel on distressed farmers from Shahapur whose land would be affected over the Samruddhi Corridor.
“When people were celebrating Diwali, EOW officials called me in the morning, used abused language, threatened to involve me in extortion cases,” said a scared Harne.
“As I am leading the protest of Samruddhi Corridor-affected farmers, officials said that they will harass me as they have pressure from Mantralaya,” claimed Harne.
Wh en people were celebrating Diwali, EOW officials called me in the morning, used abused language, and threatened to involve me in extortion cases —Baban Harne
The complainant has stated Harne has purchased agriculture land and two flats despite having no source of income.
The complainant claimed Harne had threatened farmers and purchased their land in lower than market price.
Harne said, “I am doing contract labour work since the past several years. I have official record of purchase of land and the flats. I file income tax every year. I have submitted bank statement to EOW. Even though, police officials threaten to ruin my life.”
Speaking with mediapersons, Mahesh Patil, Superintendent of Police (Thane rural) had on Sunday said that a complaint has been received by his office and accordingly statements are being recorded from the concerned persons whose names are mentioned in the complaint. Once, the inquiry is over, the decision to register offences would be taken.
Meanwhile, Dhananjay Munde, leader of opposition warned government not to use police machinery against the protestors.
“I will raise this issue in upcoming winter session. Harne is not the only case, I have noticed police is harassing them in Nasik, Aurangabad and in other cities,” said Munde.