Mumbai, Sept 3, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
The Ahmednagar police have lodged two FIRs against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Nitesh Rane for allegedly making hate speeches that could incite communal tensions. The FIRs were filed at the Shrirampur and Topkhana police stations after members of the Muslim community protested, demanding legal action against the Kankavli MLA for his inflammatory remarks.
Rane delivered these controversial speeches at public meetings held in Shrirampur and Topkhana on Sunday. The gatherings were in support of Hindu seer Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj, who recently made derogatory comments about Islam and Prophet Muhammad.
In viral videos from the rallies, Rane can be seen issuing threats of violence against the Muslim community, warning them not to speak against Ramgiri Maharaj. “I am threatening you in the language you understand. If you say anything against our Ramgiri Maharaj, we will enter your mosque and beat you up one by one. Keep this in mind,” Rane stated.
Rane’s comments sparked outrage, leading to large protests by Muslims outside the Ahmednagar police superintendent’s office. Following the demonstrations, the police registered two FIRs against Rane late Sunday. The MLA is expected to be summoned for questioning in the coming days.
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader and former MLA Waris Pathan took to X (formerly Twitter) to demand the arrest of Rane, accusing him of inciting hatred against Muslims. Pathan also urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to take swift action, stating, “This is inflammatory and hate speech. BJP is trying to create communal violence in Maharashtra before the state assembly polls.”
In response to the backlash, Rane defended his statements on Monday, saying, “My statement was a reaction to an action. My statement was to assure Hindus that they shouldn’t be scared, and I am a Hindu Gabbar Singh.”
Previously, Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj, who Rane was defending, was also booked by the police in various locations across Maharashtra for his derogatory remarks.
