An important legal development occurred on Sunday, when BJP MLA Nitesh Rane was booked for allegedly making hate speech against the minority community during a Ganpati festival in Navi Mumbai. The complaint, filed by a local policeman, led to the registration of the case at the NRI police station on the same day, reported The Hindu.
The controversy centers around a seven-day Ganpati celebration organized by Sankalp Gharat at Ulve, Navi Mumbai. The event, which was held without the necessary permissions, reportedly featured Rane as a chief guest. The complaint alleges that during his address, Rane made statements that targeted the minority community and incited communal sentiments among the attendees.
The complaint details that Rane’s speech contained remarks that were derogatory and inflammatory, contributing to tensions in the community. Authorities have commenced an investigation into the allegations, scrutinizing both Rane’s speech and the unauthorized organization of the festival.
This legal action comes amid heightened scrutiny of public figures and their roles in communal harmony. The police are expected to further investigate the claims and gather evidence to determine the appropriate course of action.