Burning of Malegaon official to be probed; compensation announced

MUMBAI - Mahrashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan has announced a Rs.25 lakh compensation for the family of Malegoan additional district collector Yeshwant Sonawane, who was burnt alive by the oil mafia while on a raid Tuesday.

The chief minister has also ordered a probe into the gruesome killing.

The chief minister Tuesday night also announced other benefits including a government job to one dependent family member, salary till Sonawane’s retirement date, free education for his two children till graduation and a residence from the government quota.

Sonawane, 44, was doused with kerosene and burnt alive in Panewadi, near Manmad in Nashik district Tuesday, when he went to conduct a raid on the local oil mafia for pilferage from kerosene tankers.

Four people have been arrested and charged with murder.

The main accused Popat Shinde, who also sustained 60-65 percent burn injuries, has been admitted to a hospital in Malegaon. His condition is reported to be serious.

A 1994-batch Maharashtra cadre officer, Sonawane was posted at Malegaon since over a year. He is survived by his wife and two children.

The chief minister expressed his condolences to Sonawanes family.

Nashiks guardian minister Chhagan Bhujbal Wednesday chaired a meeting of top officials of the district, including the collector, divisional commissioner and other senior officials from police and revenue departments.

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Gazetted Officers Federation has called for a day-long strike Thursday to protest against Sonawanes murder.