Naik surrenders, but Khot says not today

When asked about his whereabouts, he said: ‘‘I am in touch with everyone concerned. I am not going anywhere and will surrender, but not today.’’

DGP P S Pasricha said: ‘‘Khot spoke to me and said that he might surrender in a day or two. He’s talking to his lawyers.’’

Naik has been lodged in Thane jail as other prisons in Mumbai, including the Arthur Road Jail, are meant for undertrials.

Senior Inspector at Malabar Hills police station P Sankhe said Naik was arrested around 4.30 am and taken straight to the jail. Warrants against Naik and Khot were received by the police from the chief metropolitan magistrate at 3.30 am, Sankhe said.

The minister had resigned from the state cabinet on Friday night. Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh said Governor S M Krishna has accepted Naik’s resignation.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday had held Naik and Khot guilty of contempt of court for clandestinely giving licences to six saw mills in 2004 despite a ban on the same. Then, Naik was environment and forests minister, while Khot was principal secretary in the ministry.

–maheshmhatreexpressindia.com