Cong worker who was ‘assaulted’ by Rane’s son joins Shiv Sena

Mumbai, Aug 20 (PTI) A Congress functionary from Konkan,who had accused former Congress MP Nilesh Rane of assaultinghim, joined Shiv Sena here today. Sandeep Sawant, former Congress president of Chipluntaluka, was welcomed in Sena by party president UddhavThackeray here. Nilesh, son of former Maharashtra Chief Minister NarayanRane, had been arrested by Chiplun police, after hesurrendered following a complaint by Sawant in April that hehad been assaulted. Nilesh’s surrender had come against the backdrop of a May23 deadline set by the Bombay High Court, which he had movedseeking anticipatory bail. Nilesh was accused of allegedly kidnapping and assaultingSawant in April. According to the FIR, Rane and others allegedly kidnappedSawant from Chiplun and assaulted him on way to Mumbai for notattending a rally organised by Rane to demand reservation forthe Maratha community. According to Sawant, he did not attend the Chiplun rallybecause his mother was ill. Sawant was allegedly confined to ahouse in Andheri in Mumbai and later let off.He then reachedThane and got admitted to a hospital. Thane police registered a case. Narayan Rane had visitedSawant in the hospital, reportedly to request him to withdrawthe complaint against his son Nilesh, but Sawant did notbudge. PTI VT NPRCJRDS