NCP MP surrenders after evading police for three months

Satara Lok Sabha member Udayanraje Bhosale, who is facing extortion charges, was arrested by police on Tuesday morning. He has been sent to police custody.

A direct descendent of Shivaji Maharaj, Udayanraje was avoiding arrest for more than three months. He presented himself at Satara police station in the morning. People have been observing a bandh in Satara town and district to protest against the NCP MP’s arrest.

Udayanraje's bail was rejected by Bombay High Court last week, giving him two options — either to appeal in Supreme Court or surrender before the police. He was in town in Satara on Firday but police did not arrest him.

Police were planning to take him to government hospital for medical check up. But they had to give up the plan as a large number of his supporters had gathered outside the hospital. A medical team was called at government rest house, where medical check up was completed. He was later taken to Satara court.

Police deployment has been increased all over Satara district in view of law and order problem. Several social organizations have warned against his arrest. Police have put up barricades at all sensitive points as a precautionary measure.

Satara police registered a first information report (FIR) against Bhosale and few others following a complaint filed by Rajkumar Jain, who runs a manufacturing unit in Lonand industrial estate.

Jain, owner of Sona Alloyes, has complained that supporters of Udayanraje demanded protection money from him, FIR was lodged on 22 March.