Mumbai: A youth with an inkpot was detained while rushing towards Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Ralegan Siddhi, Ahmednagar, on Saturday.
The youth identified as Prashant Mahadev Kanade bypassed the security cordon of the CM, who was at a function along with social activist Anna Hazare.
“The police covered his face while whisking him away towards a van,” eyewitnesses said.
Locals said that Mr. Kanade has been looking for a job for the past few months, and even attempted to get in touch with the Chief Minister’s office, but failed.
The police later clarified that nothing suspicious was found with the youth, who was trying to approach the CM with a list of demands and a job application. “He was possibly looking for a job and had a request to make. He is speech impaired as well. There was a bit of panic because of the situation,” said an officer.
Mr. Fadnavis was in the village to perform bhumipoojan of the first solar project under Mukhyamantri Agricultural Solar Feeder Scheme.
Mr. Fadnavis had, last week, expressed concern over the security at his office. “Security at mantralaya is a concern where a lot of people are able to come without any stringent background check. This security system is antiquated. We need to upgrade the security on an urgent basis and regularly check who comes in and goes out,” the Chief Minister had said.
Earlier this year, Mr. Fadnavis was involved in a series of chopper accidents. At Latur, his copter crash-landed seconds after taking off. Though none of the four passengers and two pilots suffered serious injuries, it had raised questions on the safety and maintenance of the State-owned helicopter. The State Cabinet had swung into action and approved purchase of a new fleet for the VVIPs last month.
