Mumbai: In yet another senior Mumbai police official getting ensnared in fake stamp paper scam, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Pradeep Sawant was tonight (Jan 7, 2004) arrested under a stringent law of Maharashtra against organised crime for allegedly shielding prime accused Abdul Karim Telgi.

The arrest of Sawant, DCP Special Branch, followed his over two-hour interrogation by the Special Investigating Team (SIT) at its Worli office this evening, SIT sources told reporters.

Sawant would be produced before a special court tomorrow for remand, the sources added.

Sawant's residence near Matunga police station was searched by Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) after his arrest, police sources said.

Sawant is third topmost ranking officer to be arrested after former Police Commissioner R S Sharma and suspended Joint Commissioner of Police Sridhar Vagal.