By India Today News Desk: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and MP Sanjay Raut, in reference to the violence in Kolhapur, on Friday said anti-social elements should be gunned down similar to how it happens in Uttar Pradesh.
“Thok dena chaihye, jaise UP me kar rahe hain,” said Raut.
Tension gripped the city on Tuesday (June 6) after two men allegedly put 18th-century Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan’s image along with an offensive audio message as their social media “status”.
Wielding lathis, police on Wednesday dispersed hundreds of protesters after they hurled stones during a demonstration at Shivaji Chowk against the alleged use of Tipu Sultan’s image.
The situation was brought under control on Wednesday afternoon and district guardian minister Deepak Kesarkar held a meeting of a peace committee in the evening, Kolhapur Superintendent of Police (SP) Mahendra Pandit told PTI.
Raut asked why the BJP’s Hindutva came into danger when a portrait of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb was raised.
“The politics of polarisation has increased in the past 10 years and the government of Maharashtra has always been in danger,” Raut said.
“Look at the image of the state today,” he added.
SANJAY RAUT RECEIVES THREAT
Meanwhile, Sanjay Raut’s brother Sunil Raut told India Today that the former had received threats on Thursday.
Sunil Raut said he had received a call at nearly 4.30 pm, wherein the caller said, “Your brother should not be addressing press conferences, else we would shoot him.”
Commenting on the threat, Sunil Raut alleged the government is afraid of Sanjay Raut, which is why they didn’t want him to speak.
He said such calls had been received in the past too. However, the government did not take any action on the same.
Meanwhile, Sanjay Raut has written a letter to the Maharashtra DCM and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, regarding the threatening calls received by him.
In the letter, Raut mentioned that his brother received a call and the caller said he would shoot him (Sanjay Raut) dead within a month.
Raut also mentioned he had been receiving such threat calls for the past few days and had reported the same. However, no action was taken.
KOLHAPUR VIOLENCE
At least 36 people were arrested and several cases were filed in connection with the recent violence in Kolhapur, during a demonstration against the alleged use of Tipu Sultan’s image along with an objectionable audio message as social media “status” by a few locals.
Additionally, five cases were registered by police in the city pertaining to objectionable posts.
Five people, including juveniles, have been detained in two of these cases, the police said.
Minister Kesarkar has instructed the administration to set up separate peace committees comprising members of all communities to ensure peaceful celebration of all festivals in Kolhapur, as per a release of the district administration.
He has also directed the formation of an independent committee to prevent any communal discord in the city, the release said.
The Kolhapur SP told PTI that the situation was gradually normalising and that members from various organisations and communities pledged to maintain peace in the city.
“Precautionary measures have been taken with police deployment in sensitive areas of the city and district along with the ongoing patrolling,” he said.
Asked about the situation in the city, SP Pandit said, “The situation is gradually returning to normal. Shops in the main market area have started reopening.”
