Mumbai: Seven members of the Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), who violently assaulted a shopkeeper in Mira Bhayandar area of neighbouring Palghar district for not speaking in Marathi, were released within hours of being detained.
While talking to UNI, police subinspector Kiran Kadam of Kashimira police station said those involved in the crime were brought to the police station and were being served notice as per the guidelines of the Supreme Court.
He also said that accused persons were directed not to tamper with the evidence available against them and were asked to remain present in the police station as and when required by the Police.
PSI Kadam, who is an investigating officer in the case, further said that the police were in the process of initiating “chapter proceedings” (preventive action) against the accused persons in the case.
The office of the zonal deputy commissioner of police will make them sign bonds about good behaviour, the official added.
According to reports the accused persons who were involved in the crime had recorded their assault and circulated it on social media, and were walked out the same evening after being briefly questioned by police.
Despite the severity of the attack, carried out in broad daylight and proudly shared online, the police clarified that the offence is non-cognisable, which means a prior approval from a magistrate is required to initiate a full investigation or make arrests without a warrant.
One of the accused, openly defended the violence by saying the shopkeeper had “invited the attack on himself.” He showed no attempt to conceal his identity.
While talking to the media Maharashtra minister Nitish Rane said that the men had been “arrested.” However, within minutes of his comment airing, it became evident that the accused had, in fact, already been released earlier that same evening.
The swift release of the men, despite video evidence and public outrage, has raised serious concerns over the state’s handling of such politically sensitive incidents, especially those involving language-related violence. As of now, no further action has been confirmed by police.
