Akola: An offence was registered against Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) group leader in Akola Municipal Corporation, Sagar Bharuka, for allegedly creating a ruckus at a hotel and demanding Rs15 lakh from its owner. Civil Lines police arrested Bharuka late on Sunday night, and he is expected to be produced before a court.The case was registered on the basis of a complaint filed by hotel employee Shoeb Akhtar Jameel Akhtar, who works at the hotel in the bus stand area.As per the complaint, Bharuka allegedly visited the hotel at around midnight on Oct 3 and asked for food. The complainant told police that he informed Bharuka that food could not be served as the hotel’s kitchen had closed at around 11.30pm. Akhtar told the media that Bharuka abused him and created a commotion.On the extortion allegation, Akhtar said there was no direct demand but Bharuka told him that he could demand money from the hotel owner and referred to a demand of Rs15 lakh. The alleged extortion demand forms part of the complaint and is yet to be established through investigation.Akola sub-divisional police officer Sudarshan Patil said police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and the alleged demand. Bharuka refuted the allegations and claimed there is a vested political interest behind the complaint.Police are likely to examine the statements of the complainant, hotel owner, employees and other witnesses, besides checking available evidence.
