BJP candidate from Navsari ward detained over 2003 assault,released

Mahesh Rathod,the BJP candidate from Ward no 14 in Navasari taluka,was detained.

Mahesh Rathod,the BJP candidate from Ward no 14 in Navasari taluka,was detained on Tuesday evening in connection with an assault and robbery case of 2003. The Navsari police later released him and his friend Natu Rathod,another accused in the case,on the condition that they will not foment trouble during the election in Navsari.

The police said Rathod,who runs a general store,had a clash with one Mansukh Kaduara on April 1,2003. Rathod and his friend Natu severely beat up Kaduara,who then lodged a complaint of assault and robbery of a gold chain worth Rs 3,500,against the two. The two were arrested and released on bail.

Sources said Rathod had submitted his nomination form on September 30 and in the affidavit had mentioned the criminal case registered against him.

Navsari Inspector J R Wala said: We took action against him as per the Election Commission rules,as the complaint against Rathod was registered with the town police station. He was released on the assurance that he will not commit any crime or spread disturbance during the election period.

Rathod said: Mansukh (Kaduara) was running gambling activities in our area. We complained to the police,but nothing was done. The local youths had beaten him up over some reason and he had named me as the accused. I did not assault him.

Navsari district BJP president Ashok Dhorachia said: Our candidate is innocent and the police had taken precautionary steps as a case was registered against him. He was falsely named in the case.

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