Maharashtra DGP's Warning As Raj Thackeray's Ultimatum On Mosque Loudspeaker Row Nears End

Maharashtra government is reviewing the law and order situation in state as Raj Thackeray said that he will announce the future course of action on the loudspeaker issue through social media.

New Delhi: Maharashtra police chief Rajnish Seth on Tuesday warned that the state police will act against anyone trying to disturb communal harmony.

The statement was in reference to Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray’s ultimatum on protest against loudspeakers atop mosques from May 4, news agency PTI reported.

Maharashtra Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil on Tuesday chaired a meeting with Director General of Police (DGP) Rajnish Seth and other senior police officials on the present situation of law and order in the state.

At a Maharashtra Day rally in Aurangabad, Raj Thackeray had said he was firm on the May 3 deadline for removal of loudspeakers atop mosques and threatened to drown out 'azaan' (Islamic prayer call) with the Hanuman Chalisa if they were not taken down.

In a media briefing, DGP Rajnish Seth said: "Maharashtra police are capable of handling any kind of law-and-order situation. SRPF and Home Guards have been deployed in the state."

The state police chief informed that the Aurangabad Commissioner of Police is looking into Raj Thackeray's speech.

"CP Aurangabad is capable of taking action against anyone. He is looking at the videos of Raj Thackeray's rally and if he finds anything wrong in it then he will take action today itself," Seth told reporters, as quoted by news agency ANI.

DGP Rajnish Seth also informed that police have given notices in large numbers, "preventative action has been taken against more than 15,000 people. Notice under section 149 CrPC has been given to over 13,000 people." 

"I appeal to everyone to maintain peace," he stressed.

Raj Thackeray To Announce Future Course Of Action

Notably, the MNS leader on Monday said that he will announce the future course of action on the loudspeaker issue through social media.

He made the statement as he asked his party workers not to perform 'Maha Aartis' scheduled for Akshaya Tritiya so that the Muslim community celebrates the Eid festival falling on the same day without any hindrance.

"Eid is being celebrated tomorrow. The Muslim community should also celebrate festivities without any hindrances. I have already mentioned this in the Sambhajinagar rally (on Sunday in Aurangabad). I appeal to my 'Maharashtra Sainiks' not to perform 'Maha Aartis' on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya which will also be celebrated tomorrow. We do not intend to cause hindrance or obstacles to any religion during their festivities," Thackeray said in a statement posted on Twitter.

"Regarding the loudspeaker issue, I will further notify what we intend to do, via my social media," he added, claiming that "The loudspeaker issue is not a religious one, but social with related inconvenience."

During his Aurangabad speech, the MNS chief had said that the Muslim community would see the "power of Maharashtra" if they did not understand the request on loudspeakers "nicely".

"I won't be responsible for what all happens after the May 3 deadline to remove loudspeakers from mosques," Raj Thackeray had said, as quoted by PTI.

Meanwhile, a meeting of Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and State Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil is underway to review the law and order situation.