The stocky CISF inspector, however, remained tight-lipped about the incident. Though he had no bruises, his face had puffed up due to heavy punches and the minister's security guards had struck him on his right knee.

Dhiwar at the Gate no. 2 when the minister's entourage consisting of two Contessa cars and a Tata Sumo halted at around 5.30 pm. The minister wanted to take a detour and exit into the Eastern Express Highway and save travel of nearly four kms and skip some traffic signals during evening busy hours on his way to Thane.

The CISF Commandant on duty asked his deputy Inspector Jiwan Dhiwar to explain to the minister that the security has been tightened and special permission would berequired for entering the premises.

However, even before Dhiwar could speak, the minister slapped him twice and he was soon joined by over a dozen bodyguards who had swarmed the control room. `` They went on a rampage, kicking and fisting the inspector. They even threatened to burn down RCF factory,'' recalled a jawan.

``We too could have retaliated since there were more than 30 armed jawans at RCF Gate No 2. But the situation was kept under control as we are a much disciplined force,'' said an officer, requesting anonymity.

Speaking to Express Newsline, Deputy Inspector General (CISF) K S Shinde said he was shocked by the incident adding that a first information report (FIR) has been registered with the RCF police who will investigate into the matter.