FIR against Raj, arrest imminent | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

FIR against Raj, arrest imminent

Hindustan Times | ByNaresh Kamath & Presley Thomas, Mumbai
Feb 12, 2008 02:42 AM IST

Govt registers FIRs against Raj Thackeray and Abu Asim Azmi for speeches inciting ethnic clashes in Mumbai, neighbouring areas, report Naresh Kamath & Presley Thomas.

The Maharashtra government has registered a first information report (FIR) against political leaders Raj Thackeray and Abu Asim Azmi for speeches that incited ethnic clashes in Mumbai and neighbouring areas in the first week of February.

HT Image
HT Image


The arrest of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj and Samajwadi Party leader Azmi is imminent as they have been charged under non-bailable sections. It is for the investigating officer to decide when to go ahead with the arrests, a police officer said.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.


The Mumbai Police served Raj a notice on Monday asking him to not make any public statements till February 25 or address party workers or journalists. The party rejected the notice saying it was an affront to democracy.



"How can the police serve such a notice to a democratic leader? We will defy it," said MNS spokesperson Shishir Shinde. "Let law take its own course. We are ready to fight the legal battle."



After the FIR was filed in Vikhroli, shops shut down in the area and there was tension.



Meanwhile in Pune, copies of an English magazine were burnt because its latest issue depicted Raj as Hitler. MNS workers allegedly also walked into the magazine's Worli office in Mumbai and threatened the staff.



With speculations over when he would be arrested, Raj remained in his Shivaji Park residence, with riot control police patrolling the area. Top MNS leaders went underground.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On