Police Sub-Inspector Suspended Following Allegations of Rioting and Assault on Fellow Officers
In a significant development from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, a sub-inspector serving with the city police's crime branch has been suspended after being formally named as an accused in a serious case of rioting and assault on police personnel. The incident stems from a violent clash that erupted over alleged illegal cow transport near Sawangi on Tuesday night, leading to multiple legal actions and internal disciplinary measures.
Suspension Ordered by Police Commissioner
City Police Commissioner Pravin Pawar took decisive action on Thursday evening by placing sub-inspector Navnath Patwadkar under suspension. This disciplinary measure followed a detailed written report submitted by the Rural police, which outlined Patwadkar's alleged instigation of violence, aggressive behavior, and use of abusive language against fellow police officers during the confrontation.
Commissioner Pawar stated to media sources, "We have suspended Patwadkar and ordered a preliminary inquiry against him to be conducted by the Assistant Commissioner of Police (crime)." This internal investigation aims to thoroughly examine the officer's conduct during the incident.
Comprehensive FIR Registered Against Multiple Accused
The First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against a total of twenty-five suspects, including Patwadkar, four identified individuals, and twenty unidentified gaurakshaks (cow protectors). The complaint was formally lodged by constable Anil Madanrsingh Ghusinge (38), who is attached to the Phulambri police station.
Rural Superintendent of Police Vinaykumar Rathod has appointed Karmad inspector Samratsingh Rajput as the investigation officer to ensure a fair and impartial probe into the matter. The case has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including sections 189(2), 190, 191(2), 121(1), 121(2), 132, 46, 126(2), 324(4), 352, 351(2), and 287, covering various offenses related to rioting, assault, and obstruction of public servants.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Violent Confrontation
According to the official complaint, police authorities were first alerted about a pickup vehicle allegedly transporting cattle for slaughter from Vaijapur via the Samruddhi toll naka at Sawangi at approximately 8:19 PM on Tuesday. When police personnel reached the location around 8:55 PM, they encountered a group of twenty to twenty-five self-proclaimed gaurakshaks.
These individuals claimed to have been chasing the pickup vehicle for nearly ten kilometers, suspecting illegal transport of cattle. During this pursuit, the vehicle driver allegedly lost control due to aggressive tailing, resulting in the vehicle ramming into a hillock after landing in a ditch. Seven cattle were discovered inside the vehicle.
Escalation of Violence and Police Response
As inspector Sanjay Sahane initiated legal proceedings against those involved, the situation rapidly deteriorated. The assembled mob allegedly turned violent, directing abuse at police officers and damaging the pickup vehicle by pelting stones and smashing its windows with wooden sticks. The confrontation escalated further when approximately 150 to 200 people gathered outside the Phulambri police station.
The FIR specifically alleges that sub-inspector Patwadkar, who was present in civilian clothing, actively instigated the crowd against police officers. He is accused of provoking individuals to target the homes of police personnel and using highly abusive language. Furthermore, the complaint states that Patwadkar allegedly slapped the complainant, constable Ghusinge, during the altercation.
Phulambri inspector Sanjay Sahane provided additional context, explaining, "The accused sub-inspector reached there in civil dress and was instigating the mob of gaurakshaks to pelt stones at the homes of policemen and officers. He was also abusive. Regarding the pickup vehicle, a separate FIR has been registered against the driver and owner for cruelty to animals. The seven cattle have been handed over to the gaushala (cow shelter)."
Background of the Accused Officer
An officer from the city police department revealed relevant background information about Patwadkar's recent activities. "Recently, he was deputed for police recruitment drive duties, but he went on sick leave until the completion of the recruitment drive and resumed duty only on Monday," the officer disclosed. This timing places his return to active duty just one day before the violent incident occurred.
The suspension and subsequent investigation highlight the serious nature of the allegations against a serving police officer and underscore the commitment to maintaining discipline within law enforcement ranks, even as multiple legal proceedings continue regarding the broader incident of alleged illegal cattle transport and subsequent violence.
