Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Jul 18: A case has been registered against NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) MLA Jitendra Awhad for allegedly obstructing public servants during a protest outside the Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan, police officials confirmed on Thursday.

The incident unfolded in the early hours when Awhad, a former state minister, staged a protest over the detention of his supporter, Nitin Deshmukh. Deshmukh was allegedly assaulted during a scuffle with supporters of BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar a day earlier inside the Assembly premises.

According to police, Awhad physically blocked a police vehicle transporting Deshmukh to the station and sat in front of it, refusing to move despite repeated requests. Officers eventually had to drag Awhad away to clear the way.

“He was obstructing government officials from performing their duty,” said a senior police officer. The Marine Drive police station has registered a case under relevant sections for hindering public servants in the line of duty.

Awhad accused law enforcement of bias and demanded the immediate release of Deshmukh. The political scuffle and subsequent protest have escalated tensions between the NCP (SP) and BJP camps within the legislature.