Rohit Pawar questions Y-plus security cover for Rana Suryavanshi, seeks probe into reasons

Baramati: MLA Rohit Pawar has questioned the decision to give Rana Suryavanshi Y-plus category security. He said the whole truth of the matter must come before the public and the reasons behind the grant of security should also be thoroughly investigated. Speaking to reporters in Malegaon, he spoke on the attack on Suryavanshi, rising crime in Baramati and the dispute over the site of the Toronto project.

Expressing displeasure over the investigation into the attack, Pawar raised questions about the arrests. He said three friends of Suryavanshi have not been found so far, and asked why no action has been taken against the suspects in the case. He alleged that the probe is not moving at the expected pace even though Sadanand Date, head of the Special Investigation Team, has been given charge of it. He demanded that the investigation be made stronger and that the people concerned be questioned in depth.

Pawar also pointed out that there is no clear information on when Suryavanshi walked out of the hospital of which he is a director. He said investigating agencies should examine whether there was an intention to derive political or business gain from the whole affair. According to him, strict action should be taken against those tarnishing Baramati's image, failing which he will make public the names of those responsible. He appealed to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar to pay attention to the matter and take the initiative to clear up the truth.

Speaking on farmers' issues, Rohit Pawar criticised the government. He said the government should not rub salt in farmers' wounds by giving Rs 5,000 as aid. He said decisions that give relief to farmers should be taken after serious thought about their problems.

Pawar also voiced concern over law and order in Baramati. He said the late Ajit Pawar held sway over criminal elements in the city. He alleged, however, that concern is now growing over incidents of robbery, extortion and gang wars. He asked who controls the criminals if gang wars are taking place in front of the police. He also questioned the working style of local police officers. He said the problem of roadside Romeos has grown in the city, leaving girls afraid to step out of their homes after 7 pm.

Pawar also gave his views on the Toronto project. He said people are not opposed to the project; the objection is to the site where it has been proposed. Considering the sentiments and difficulties of local residents, he said, the government should consider the option of shifting the project elsewhere. MLA Pawar appealed that no decision on the project be taken without taking people into confidence.