Independent MLA Bacchu Kadu was arrested by the Marine Drive police as soon as he stepped out of the Vidhan Sabha on Wednesday night. The police registered an FIR against Mr Kadu and his clerk Ashok Jadhav, and charged them with assault, and deterring a public servant from discharging his duty.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Deven Bharti confirmed the arrest, and said, “We are examining Jadhav’s role in the offence.”
On Tuesday, the Mantralaya, the state secretariat, had come to a standstill when employees staged a protest after Mr Kadu slapped BR Gavit, a deputy secretary from the General Administration Department (GAD). The assault was a result of an altercation over allotment of a house to a government employee.
In a statement on Wednesday, the employees demanded stern action against Mr Kadu under the Atrocities Act.
Chief Secretrary Swadhin Kshatriya then assured the employees of action, and on his request, the strike was suspended till Monday.
Speaking to reporters, Mr Kadu said: “I have done no wrong. I will continue to work for the people despite the allegations against me.”
Earlier in the day, State’s Revenue Minister Eknath Khadse had informed the assembly that a committee led by the Chief Secretary will file an inquiry report.
Mr Kadu, who represents the Achalpur constituency in Vidarbha, is not new to controversies. Last year, he had assaulted a government officer in Amravati after the latter allegedly asked for a bribe.
