NCP (SP) leader Jitendra Awhad on Friday objected to a policeman recording his press conference, and detained him briefly while accusing the BJP-led Maharashtra government of surveillance of the Opposition. The incident took place at the former state minister's residence in the city where he had called mediapersons, reported news agency PTI.

Noticing that a man in civilian clothing was recording a video of the event, Awhad sought to know his identity. The person said he was from the Special Branch of Thane Police. "Why are the police keeping a watch on Opposition leaders? Instead of targeting us, they should focus on individuals like Walmik Karad," the NCP(SP) leader said, referring to the close aide of NCP minister Dhananjay Munde arrested in an extortion case related to the murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh in Beed district, reported PTI.