Pune, September 2, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Pune City Police on Wednesday arrested Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) worker Ashish Sable in connection with the controversy over the alleged forcible removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s photograph from a government institution in the city.
Sable’s arrest is part of the investigation into an FIR registered against Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena (MNVS) president Amit Thackeray, son of MNS chief Raj Thackeray, and 20 to 25 other party functionaries and workers.
The case relates to an incident at Government Polytechnic College in Ganeshkhind, Pune, where Amit Thackeray had visited to interact with students and assess facilities, including the hostel, mess and sanitation arrangements.
During the visit, some students reportedly pointed out that a photograph of Prime Minister Modi was displayed in the principal’s office alongside portraits of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Dr B.R. Ambedkar.
Thackeray objected to the placement, saying that Shivaji Maharaj and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar are revered figures in Maharashtra and should not be equated with political leaders. Following the objection, MNS workers allegedly removed the Prime Minister’s photograph despite resistance from college authorities.
College principal Dr Rajendra Kashiram Patil subsequently filed a complaint at Chaturshingi Police Station. Police registered an FIR against Thackeray and 20-25 unidentified workers under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to unlawful assembly, criminal trespass, obstruction of a public servant and criminal intimidation, along with provisions of the Maharashtra Police Act.
Police launched a search for those involved and have since apprehended multiple MNS workers, including Sable.
Investigators are examining CCTV footage and recording statements to establish the identities and roles of all those allegedly involved in the incident.
The episode has sparked a political controversy in Maharashtra. MNS leaders have defended the action, saying they consider it a matter of pride to stand up for the honour of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. BJP leaders, however, have condemned the incident and described it as a politically motivated stunt reflecting immaturity.
Further investigation into the case is underway.
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