Raj Thackeray arrested in Ratnagiri

Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at 10:10 am

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray was arrested in Ratnagiri in the wee hours today (October 21) for Sunday’s brutal attack on North Indian rail exam candidates by MNS workers.

A case was registered in this connection against Raj Thackeray and his supporters at a North-West suburban police station of Kharwadi, after MNS workers attacked 13 railway board examination centres in suburban Mumbai to protest against “inadequate representation” to locals.

Thackeray, who was on tour in western Maharashtra and Konkan region was arrested from Ratnagiri district and is likely to be produced in Bandra court in Mumbai later in the day.

The arrest of the MNS chief comes against the backdrop of mounting pressure on the Maharashtra Government to rein in Thackeray and his activists.

According to initial reports, the charges against Raj Thackeray are one under Section 353 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), for assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty. MNS workers launched an all out attack against the students who were appearing for a railway examination.

He has also reportedly been arrested under Section 336 of the IPC for an act endangering life or personal safety of others, by attacking North Indians. Raj Thackeray has also been reportedly arrested under Sec 425 and 427 for mischief causing damage.

Following the arrests, TIMES NOW spoke to MNS Spokesperson, Shirish Parkar who said that the arrest comes after pressure from the government. He said, “This is a revenge against inspection of the Delhi government. They are depending on votes from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, which is why this kind of arrest. There is, however, no substance in the matter and no clarification from the police.”

When asked about what will be MNS’s next step, Shirish said, “The lawyers will take the decision and I cannot comment on the same.”

Earlier, a combative Raj had justified the Sunday’s attack on north Indians and warned the state that it will have to “regret” the consequences in the event of his arrest. ”Arrest me and be ready to bear the consequences…. you will have to regret,” Thackeray, who was attending a ceremony
at Bahadursheikh Naka in Chiplun in the state yesterday, said.

“If Raj is arrested, entire Maharashtra will be set on fire,” he threatened.

(With inputs from Agencies)

( This post is from an independent writer. The opinions and views expressed herein are those of the author and are not endorsed by APakistanNews.Com.)

Raj Thackeray arrested in Ratnagiri

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