Title: Made a statement regarding threats of violence to Shri Suresh Navale former Minister of State for Energy and alleged phone calls threatening Shri Gulabrao Gawande, a former minister in Maharashtra.
THE MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI L.K. ADVANI): During `Zero Hour’ on the 2lst July, l998, some Hon. Members had expressed concern regarding threats of violence made to Shri Suresh Navale, the then Minister of State for Energy, Maharashtra and alleged phone calls threatening Shri Gulabrao Gawande, a former Minister in the State. I had assured this House that I would make a statement based on the report received from the State Government in this regard.
The matter was taken up with the State Government. The information received from the State Government is as follows:-
On July l9, l998, Shri Gawande lodged a complaint at Cuffe Parade Police Station that he was receiving threatening telephone calls. A case under sections 504 and 506(2) IPC was registered in this connection. Police personnel were also detailed for the protection of Shri Gawande. On July 20, l998, information was received by the DCP, Zone-I, Shri Bishnoi, that some people might demonstrate in front of Shri Gawande’s bungalow. Shri Bishnoi immediately visited the bungalow and beefed up security. `Z’ category security has also since been provided to Shri Gawande and the members of his family.
On July 20, l998, Shri Navale stated in the Vidhan Sabha that about 250 persons had entered into his bungalow at ll30 hours on that day and that some of them had threatened to shoot them. He further stated that some of the persons who had entered into his bungalow were carrying fire arms. However, according to the FIR lodged by Shri Navale, a group of l5 to 20 men had entered into his bungalow office. On the complaint of Shri Navale, a case under sections l4l, l43, l44, l47, l48, l49, 452, 506(2) of the IPC read with sections 37(l)(3) and l35 of the Bombay Police Act and section 3/25 of the Arms Act was registered. Two persons have been arrested in this connection. Efforts are being made to nab other culprits. Shri Navale has also been provided with `Z’ category security along with the members of his family at Mumbai as well as at his native place.
“>SHRI PRITHVIRAJ D. CHAVAN (KARAD): Yesterday, there have been further incidents of intimidation of independent MLAs. Has the hon. Minister of Home Affairs looked into those incidents? It is a continuous process. There is a serious break down of law and order. MLAs are not safe in Maharashtra. (Interruptions).
SHRI L.K. ADVANI: Sir, you would appreciate that this is a matter which cannot be pursued on a continuous basis in this House. Yesterday because it was taken up, therefore, I have responded. (Interruptions).
SHRI RAJESH PILOT (DAUSA): The intention of raising this issue in the House yesterday was to show concern about law and order situation in Maharashtra including security of Ministers. But the hon. Minister of Home Affairs has not answered the first part and has not commented on the law and order situation in Maharashtra, which was the prime concern. He should say something on that. (Interruptions).
MR. CHAIRMAN :Shri Rajesh Pilot, in this House, any statement made by the Minister is not subjected to clarifications.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI RAJESH PILOT :But the hon. Minister of Home Affairs has to answer in reply to a question. (Interruptions).
MR. CHAIRMAN: It is not as simple as it is.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI AJIT JOGI (RAIGARH): The issue was breakdown of the constitutional machinery. (Interruptions).
SHRI VAIKO (SIVAKASI): There should not be any clarifications on the hon. Minister’s statement. (Interruptions).
MR. CHAIRMAN: After the statement of the hon. Minister, there is no clarification.
… (Interruptions)
The House stands adjourned to meet again at 3 p.m.
14.03 hrs
The Lok Sabha then adjourned till Fifteen of the Clock.
15.05 hrs
The Lok Sabha re-assembled after Lunch at five minutes past Fifteen of the Clock.
(Shri Khagapati Pradhani in the Chair)