Mumbai: Over 12,000 members of the Muslim community, led by former MP Imtiaz Jaleel of AIMIM and various political and social groups, organized a massive protest march to Mumbai on Monday. The rally, dubbed the ‘Tiranga Samvidhan Rally,’ was held to demand action against BJP MLA Nitesh Rane and preacher Ramgiri Maharaj, who have been accused of delivering hate speeches inciting communal sentiments, reported The Times of India.
The protestors, traveling in hundreds of vehicles from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, reached Mulund toll plaza late in the evening but were prevented from entering Mumbai. The group submitted their demands to the divisional collector and other officials at the toll plaza before dispersing.
The rally disrupted traffic along the Samruddhi Super Expressway as it made its way toward Mumbai. The protestors were calling for the arrest of Rane and Maharaj, who are facing multiple FIRs for their inflammatory remarks. Despite the peaceful conclusion, heavy police deployment was present to manage the situation and prevent the crowd from entering the city.
Jaleel emphasized the protest’s purpose, stating, “We are reminding the government that it is their responsibility to ensure that the law prevails.” He urged the government to take swift action against the individuals responsible for spreading hatred.
This demonstration comes amid growing concerns about hate speech and communal tensions in the state.
