Mumbai, Mar 10: The entire opposition in Maharashtra Legislative Council today staged a walk-out in protest against the alleged failure of police and state administration to trace the prime suspect in Ghatkopar bomb blast, who allegedly escaped from police custody on January 7 this year. Suspecting "foul play " in the alleged escape of Sayed Khwaja Yunis, the entire opposition walked out of the Upper House amidst pandemonium. Dissatisfied with the reply of Maharashtra Minister of State for Home (Urban) Rajendra Darda, the opposition members raised a furore in the House and rejected his argument that the official documents on the findings of Yunis' escape by Pota court was still not available with the home ministry. They also charged the police machinery with helping Yunis escape from their custody.
Member of the House Fouzia Khan (NCP) demanded a CBI inquiry into the entire episode.
Leader of opposition Nitin Gadkari said norms of police manual could be bypassed while transporting hardcore criminals having links with foreign hands. Hence, escort vehicles should accompany the police jeeps carrying the accused or undertrials so that such incidents would not recur, Gadkari suggested. The minister said the government would ensure that adequate precautions were taken. However, dissatisfied with the reply, the members trooped out of the House.
Bureau Report