MIM, Shiv Sena corporators arrested for alleged roles in Aurangabad riots

AURANGABAD: Two Corporators of the Aurangabad Municipal Corporation have been arrested in connection with the violence that rocked Aurangabad recently.

The two MLCs are Feroz Moinuddin Khan of All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and Rajendra Janjal of Shiv Sena were arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Aurangabad police on Tuesday.

The AIMIM corporator from Nawabpura area surrendered before police. Nawabpura is one of the worst-hit areas that suffered huge losses during the riots.

According to Aurangabad DCP, Khan allegedly instigated the mob for violence in which ACP Govardhan Kolelar was injured. Khan was produced before a local court, which sent him to three-day police custody.

Janjal, who represents the Shivajinagar area, was arrested from his residence in Shivaji Nagar area on charges of setting vehicles on fire during the violence, the police said.

The Shiv Sena corporator was arrested after a complainant named Mohammed Shoaib Abdul Munaf produced a video purportedly showing Janjal being part of the mob that was setting vehicles and shops on fire in Raja Bazaar area, The Indian Express reported.

Deputy Commissioner of police Vinayak Dhakne said, “Both have been arrested based on crucial evidence,” The Times of India reported. “We will further probe the involvement of the other suspects who assisted them.”

Both the corporators were charged under relevant IPC sections. Judicial Magistrate (First Class) AU Supekar remanded the Shiv Sena corporator in police custody till May 18.

Police have so far arrested over 50 persons in connection with the riots.

At least two persons including a 17-year old minor were killed and around 60 others, including a dozen policemen, injured when clashes broke out between two groups in this famed tourist town on May 11.