Rane called up, requested his son be released: Parrikar

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Wednesday said that Maharashtra minister Narayan Rane called him up and sought the release of his son Nitesh Rane after he was arrested for vandalising a toll-booth on Goa-Maharashtra border and assaulting the staff on Tuesday.

"(Narayan) Rane did call me. He requested me to look into the matter and if possible release Nitesh. I asked him to approach the court," Parrikar said, talking to reporters.

Rane senior's reaction was "very positive" and he did not express anger or reacted with arrogance after his request was turned down, Parrikar added.

Nitesh, who leads Swabhiman Sanghatana, a Mumbai-based outfit, was arrested along with eight others last night over the incident.

Parrikar also said that Nitesh was partly involved, while five others actually attacked the staff and vandalised the booth.

"The incident took place not because he (Nitesh) had no money to pay (the toll). Five hundred rupees is nothing to him. But this was an attempt to show the authority," Parrikar quipped.