Kolhapur Violence: FIR Registered Against MNS' Sandeep Deshpande For Burning Aurangzeb Effigy In Shivaji Park

Notably, a massive protest erupted in Maharashtra's Kolhapur against a social media status that allegedly glorified Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and disrespected a Maratha national icon.

Mumbai Police on Thursday registered a case against MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande

Source : ANI

New Delhi: Mumbai Police on Thursday registered a case against MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande for burning an effigy of Aurangzeb in the aftermath of Kolhapur protests at Shivaji Park in Mumbai. Apart from Deshpande, FIR has been registered against eight other people under sections 135 and 37 of the Maharashtra Police Act.

FIR has been lodged at the Shivaji Park Police Station in Mumbai.

Notably, a massive protest erupted in Maharashtra's Kolhapur on Wednesday against a social media status that allegedly glorified Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and disrespected a Maratha national icon.

In view of the protest, internet services have been suspended till Thursday in Kolhapur, PTI reported citing a senior police official.

Prohibitory orders have been issued till June 19 banning the assembly of five or more persons, he said.

Tension rose in Kolhapur city on Tuesday after two men allegedly put 18th-century Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan’s image along with an offensive audio message as their social media “status”.

A group of right-wing activists demanded action against both men following which a case was registered, said another official. Police registered another FIR on Tuesday evening and arrested seven persons after more protests were held, the official said.

“Some organisations had called for a Kolhapur bandh and their members gathered at Shivaji Chowk today. After their demonstration ended, the crowd began to disperse but some miscreants started throwing stones, forcing police to use force against these people to disperse them,” said Kolhapur Superintendent of Police Mahendra Pandit.

Kolhapur district collector Rahul Rekhawar said the situation is under control and additional police forces have been brought in.

Dipak Kesarkar, the district guardian minister, said that action has been taken against those who had used Tipu Sultan’s image along with an objectionable audio message.