18 Armymen held in Nashik violence case

Eighteen Army personnel were arrested and remanded in magisterial custody on Thursday in connection with two incidents of violence in the cantonment town of Deolali in Nashik district.

However, they were later released on bail by the Nashik Road court. Army’s Southern Command promised investigation and “exemplary action” against its errant personnel.

The Nashik police reported the matter to the Maharashtra Police headquarters and the Home Department.

The 18 personnel from the School of Artillery in Deolali camp were arrested and produced before a magistrate’s court, which remanded them in judicial custody. They moved for bail which was granted by the court, said advocate M Y Kale, who represents the accused.

Meanwhile, Nashik Police Commissioner Kulwant Kumar Sarangal refuted reports and claims from the Army that their officer was manhandled first.

 “This is not the way you behave,” Sarangal said, taking serious note of the incident in which three police personnel reportedly sustained injuries, one women officer was threatened and the Upnagar police station was ransacked.

The police claimed in the court that about 160 Army personnel were involved in the violence. The Army was guarded in its comments.

“The Army and police are working closely in this case and all help is being extended by the School of Artillery in the ongoing investigations.

As per the initial report, the reason for the altercation was the alleged detention and manhandling of an officer of School of Artillery on the night of Tuesday by the police personnel of the Upnagar police station.