Reports surfaced earlier last week revealing BJP MLAs Nitesh Rane and Geeta Jain were making statements and trying to gather support for a Hindutva rally in the tense neighbourhood of Mira Road which has been under heavy security. However, despite increased security measures in place, both leaders attempted to enter the area. Geeta Jain went a step further by issuing an ultimatum to authorities, demanding permission for the rally to pass through the region.
In light of these events, on Mid-Day reported on January 29th that the Panvel police have taken out precautionary steps to address concerns about a potential visit by Nitesh Rane to Kachhi Mohalla, in light of his recent speeches. Three people had been injured out of communally charged incidents last week at the area. An officer has stated, according to a report by Mid-Day, “There are discussions that Rane might visit Panvel. So, we have contacted MBVV police and learned how to prevent the large convoy from disappearing in lanes and rampaging in Panvel, where the situation is under control. We will take all measures to uphold peace and will not allow any politicians to disturb communal harmony for political benefit.”
This is not without precedent. In a recent incident, Rane had visited Mira Road accompanied by a sizable crowd. Mid-Day’s report states that there were goons in this crowd that emerged to harass the people. Last week, Rane had posted a seemingly incendiary post on X, where part of his post had stated, “Chun chun ke marenge !!! Jai Shri Ram.”
He has also recently given a speech which has spread across the internet. He can be reportedly seen saying that the government is ‘with’ them as long as ‘boss’ is in the ‘bunglow.’
“Do anything you want (trouble Muslims) and if police come your way, just call me for help, I’ll assure your safety. Police won’t do anything to me because our boss is sitting at ‘Sagar’ bunglow. If any officers come your way don’t forget to give him or her a tight slap. You don’t need to worry about anything, we’re with you. The government is with you.”
पोलीस माझं काहीही वाकडं करु शकणार नाहीत. आपला बॅास बसलाय सागर बंगल्यावर ( गृहमंत्री देवेंद्र फडणवीस यांचं निवासस्थान ) काहीही होत नाही आपल्या लोकांना… नितेश राणेंचं पोलीसांसमोर वादग्रस्त वक्तव्य. #NiteshRane #MaharashtraPolitics pic.twitter.com/AR8SqWZFhc
— Abhijit Karande (@AbhijitKaran25) January 28, 2024
Sabrang India spoke to citizen on ground, Sadique Basha, who has stated that the situation on ground is normal now. Basha was also one of the organisers of a peace petition last week which reached over 2000 signatories. He has also shared that on January 29th there is going to a public session of reading the Preamble as a means of bringing back normalcy and harmony in the area.
In other news, news of 19 people, including 4 minors, have been arrested by the authorities on charges related to rioting and the sharing of provocative content across social media platforms had arrived last week. These people were produced in Thane Court. A report by Siasat News stated that no Hindus have been arrested, leading to the conclusion that all those prosecuted remain to be Muslims. The Indian Express had earlier reported that the Mumbai police had accepted the complaint of the Muslim residents of Mira Road after great negotiation, however, no arrests so far have been made on the basis of that complaint. Furthermore, reports have emerged online that the arrested Muslim youth were allegedly beaten in custody and even denied food and treated cruelly.
Sabrang India tried reaching out to authorities, however, they could not be reached despite several calls.
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