Nagpur: A Shiv Sena MLA was today held by the Chandrapur police for allegedly threatening and abusing a village patwati (revenue official), who was taking action against sand mafia in the area, police said.
Balu Dhanorkar was arrested after a complaint was filed by patwari Eknath Gadekar filled yesterday, Chandrapur Superintendent of Police Sandip Diwan said.
Police officials said Gadekar took strict action against the sand mafia which was operating in the area. The mafia was allegedly illegally excavating and transporting sand through trucks.
Gadekar had halted and searched a truck allegedly carrying illegally excavated sand in his jurisdiction. The truck driver failed to produce any legal document when asked by him, they said.
He asked the truck driver to park the vehicle at tehsil office but the driver fled from the spot.
Dhanorkar summoned Gadekar to his Warora office on January 31 and allegedly reprimanded him for taking action against the sand operator, police added.
Local MLA Dhanorkar is alleged to have berated the patwari and even threatened to kill him if he fails to withdraw the case against the sand operator, they said.
A case under section 294 (obscene act) and 506 (criminal intimidation) was registered against the MLA and he was later released on bail, officials added.
PTI