Pune, September 3: The Pune city police’s Chaturshringi police station arrested Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) activist Ashish Sable on Wednesday. This arrest is linked to a controversial incident involving the forced removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s photograph from a government institution.
This action is part of a broader police crackdown, which has seen an FIR filed against 20 to 25 other officials and activists, including Amit Thackeray, son of MNS chief Raj Thackeray and president of the Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena (MNVS).
The incident occurred at the Government Polytechnic College located in Ganeshkhind, Pune. Amit Thackeray had visited the college to interact with students and assess facilities such as hostels and cleanliness. During his visit, some students pointed out a wall in the principal’s office that displayed a photograph of Prime Minister Modi alongside images of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Expressing his objection, Amit Thackeray stated that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar are revered symbols of Maharashtra and should not be placed on the same level as political leaders.
Following this objection, MNS activists allegedly removed PM Modi’s photograph from the wall, despite opposition from the college administration. In response, Dr. Rajendra Kashiram Patil, the principal of the college, filed a complaint at the Chaturshringi police station.
Based on the complaint, police have registered a case against Amit Thackeray and 20 to 25 unidentified activists under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Charges include unlawful assembly, criminal trespass, obstruction of a public servant, and criminal intimidation, along with relevant sections of the Maharashtra Police Act.
Subsequently, police initiated a search for the accused, leading to the detention of several MNS activists, including Ashish Sable. Investigating officers are reviewing CCTV footage and witness statements to identify all individuals involved in the incident.
This event has sparked intense political debate in the state. MNS leaders have defended their actions, claiming it is a matter of preserving the honor of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Meanwhile, leaders from the BJP and other political parties have criticized the move, labeling it as politically immature.
–
Leave a Comment