Athawale blames inadequate police security for slap attempted on him
What's the story
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale today blamed the police for an incident in which a man allegedly tried to slap him at a public event in Maharashtra's Thane district, claiming it had failed to provide him adequate security. The Republican Party of India (Athawale) chief was in Ambernath town to address a rally late Saturday when Pravin Gosavi (30) tried to slap him. Read more.
Statement
Athawale to meet Maharashtra Chief Minister regarding the matter
In a statement issued this morning, Athawale said, "Police didn't provide sufficient protection. That helped the assailant to target me. My popularity is growing and it may have resulted in a jealous person charging against me. I am going to meet the Chief Minister of Maharashtra regarding the same." Athawale had just got off the dais after delivering a speech when the incident happened.
Protest
RPI (A) local unit called for shutdown in Ambernath today
The Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment was not harmed as the bystanders and police managed to foil Gosavi's attempt to assault him, an officer said. Athawale, this morning, asked his party workers to maintain peace in the wake of the incident. The local RPI (A) unit has called for a shutdown in Ambernath today as a mark of protest.
Information
Situation in Ambernath calm and under control: Police
An officer said the situation in the town (Ambernath) was calm and under control, with a large posse of police personnel out on the streets to keep vigil. No untoward incident has been reported since morning, the officer further added.