In what could spell further trouble for BJP MP Kirit Somaiya, who was booked Sunday by the Navghar police for allegedly assaulting one of its officers on August 21, officers investigating the case claimed they have more than a dozen witnesses, in addition to photographs, to corroborate the charge against him. Somaiya will soon be called for questioning, they said.
Mumbai Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria said Wednesday that additional commissioner of police (east) Chering Dorje had been asked to probe why an FIR was not immediately registered and at whose behest the delay took place.
After an FIR was lodged by police inspector Sampat Mundhe (52) on August 24, the investigation was handed over to ACP (Mulund division) Maruti Avhad.
?We have so far recorded 12 statements in the case, including statements of the senior police inspector of Navghar police station and people present at the time of the incident. Their statements clearly show Somaiya misbehaved with Mundhe, abused him and hit him on his left hand while he was trying to complete the formalities of a personal bond for one Parikshit Dhume, a BJP worker,? Avhad said.
?We also have photographs that show Somaiya at Navghar police station,? Avhad added.
?There is a video with one of the police officers present at the time, which shows Somaiya assaulted Mundhe,? said another officer who did not wish to be identified. While the Navghar police station does not have CCTV cameras, the video clip and photographs captured on mobile phones by officers present during the incident will serve as crucial evidence in the case, investigating officers said.
SANTOSHEE GULABKALI MISHRA
