NCPCR Asks Police To Register FIR Against Aaditya Thackeray For Using 'Kids' In 'Save Aarey' Protest

The development comes after Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray took part in a 'Save Aarey' protest on Sunday and shared some images of children holding placards.

Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) on Monday asked Mumbai Police to lodge an FIR against Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray for allegedly using minor children in his 'Save Aarey' protest campaigns, IANS reported. The development comes after Aaditya Thackeray took part in a protest on Sunday and shared some images of children holding placards.

NCPCR registrar Anu Chaudhary has written to Commissioner of Police Vivek Phansalkar following a complaint by one Dhrutiman Joshi of Sahyadri Rights Forum.

Joshi has alleged that Aaditya Thackeray, son of Maharashtra ex-chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, used minor kids in various social activities, protests and political campaigns in "Save Aarey" protest held recently.

NCPCR said the action was prima facie violative of child rights laws and the IPC.

"ln view of the above, the Commission thereby requests you to investigate the matter urgently by lodging an FIR against the accused person(s), at once. The children should be identified and produced before the Child Welfare Committee as per Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 for recording their statements," Chaudhary said in his letter to the Mumbai Police Chief.

The child panel rights chief has also sought an Action Taken Report along with a copy of FIR and statements of children recorded by the Mumbai Police to be shared with the NCPCR within three days.

READ | Eknath Shinde Reverses MVA Govt's Decision, Shifts Metro Car Shed Back To Aarey Colony: Report

Since July 1, several activists and local tribals have hit the streets to protest against the new Eknath Shinde-led government's decision to go ahead with the controversial Mumbai Metro-3 car shed in Aarey Colony, a forested area near the Sanjay Gandhi National Park.

The previous MVA government had moved the construction of the car shed to the Kanjurmarg salt pans site.

Last month, Uddhav Thackeray expressed disappointment over the decision of the Shinde government.

"I am very upset. If you are angry with me, then vent out your anger, but don't stab Mumbai in the heart. I am very upset that the Aarey decision has been overturned. This is not a personal property," PTI had quoted Thackeray as saying.