Both sides accuse each other of assault as police investigate the incident in Madhya Pradesh’s Ratlam district
Team Clarion
BHOPAL — Bharat Adivasi Party MLA from Sailana, Kamleshwar Dodiyar, was allegedly assaulted on Tuesday night after he stopped a vehicle carrying liquor in the Shivgarh police station area of Ratlam district, Madhya Pradesh. Both the MLA and the vehicle’s driver have accused each other of physical assault.
The incident occurred near Chawani Chhodiya village when MLA Dodiyar, accompanied by his supporters, intercepted a pickup vehicle suspected of transporting illegal liquor. A heated argument ensued, escalating into physical violence.
The MLA claimed that the driver and his companions assaulted him and even attempted to strangle him. “I have been running a campaign against illegal liquor in my area. When I stopped the vehicle to question the driver, they started beating me,” Dodiyar said in a video statement. He further alleged that liquor is being transported illegally under the guise of dairy businesses and that he has raised concerns with the Chief Minister and other officials.
On the other hand, the driver accused the MLA and his supporters of attacking him. After the altercation, the driver reportedly tried to flee but was chased down by the MLA’s convoy, who then informed the police.
Initially, Bajna police were alerted but did not respond as the incident fell under Shivgarh police’s jurisdiction. Later, Shivgarh police arrived and took both parties, along with the vehicle, to the police station. Ratlam CSP Satyendra Ghanghoria also visited the station due to the seriousness of the matter. Medical examinations were conducted on both the MLA and the vehicle’s crew.
During the investigation, the police found that the vehicle was legally transporting 130 boxes of English liquor from a government warehouse in Javra to Kelkachh in Bajna. The driver possessed a valid permit for the consignment.
Despite the valid documentation, the altercation has raised several questions. “The matter is under investigation, and appropriate action will be taken once the inquiry is complete,” police officials said.
As of now, no formal FIR has been registered by either party.
