Raj Thackeray News Live: MNS chief reiterates 'Hanuman Chalisa' call; workers detained

As per the new circular released by the Maharashtrp police, Permission for use of loudspeakers is given to approximately 1,500 mosques and 1,300 temples in the state (excluding Mumbai). Preventative action has been taken against more than 2,300 people. Notice under section 149 CrPC  given to around 7000 persons on 3rd-4th May. 

In a bid to take the opinion of all religions on the loudspeaker issue, the Mumbai police held a meeting on Wednesday. In the meeting that was attended by the top police officials, the leaders belonging to the different religious groups put forth their comfortability with regard to complying with the Supreme Court order. The development comes after Maharashtra Home Minister made it clear that the same rule will be applied to all religions. 

As Raj Thackeray's ultimatum pertaining to the removal of loudspeakers ended today, Maharashtra Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil held a press briefing in which he patted the police for maintaining the law and order situation in the state. He confirmed that the deployment will continue, and all unforeseen situations will be appropriately dealt with. 

"If Supreme Court's order has to be implemented, it has to be implemented across religions," he said, adding that he has been holding communications with the people of all communities.

Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly, Ramvir Singh Bidhuri on Wednesday requested Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal to call a high-level meeting to ban loudspeakers installed at religious places. 

The demand of the BJP MLA from Badarpur constituency comes in the wake of letters written by Delhi BJP chief Adesh Gupta and party MP Parvesh Verma to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Baijal, respectively in this regard. 

Bidhuri said a meeting of officers of all departments concerned should be convened for removing the loudspeakers in consonance with Supreme Court directions.

Rashtriya Janata Dal supremo Lalu Yadav reacted to the ongoing loudspeaker row, saying that Raj Thackeray was very wrong in what he was doing. "It is an attempt to break the country," he said. 

Speaking to Republic, Congress' Rashid Alvi opined that 'Raj Thackeray does not stand anywhere'. Calling the agitation on louspeaker a conspiracy, he added, "It is to disturb peace of Maharashtra."

Amid the loudspeaker row,  Maharashtra Navnirman Sena's Sandeep Deshpande and Santosh Dhuri were booked under Section 353 (Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 279 (Rash driving) and 336 (endgaering life) of the Indian Penal Code.

Dhuri and Deshpande have been booked under the afformentioned Section after a complaint was filed by a police inspector in Shivaji Park Police Station pertaining to the incident that happended earlier in the day. As the two MNS leaders tried to address the media and inform them about supremo Raj Thackeray's press breifing, they were approached by the police, but instead of responding to them, they sped away in a car. In the chaos, a lady police officer was injured. 

Mumbai Police likely to register a case against MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande and Santosh Dhuri under section 353 of the IPC

"Today is the black day for Hindutva...If today, loudspeakers are being removed from the mosques, then it will have to be done with all religions...One day Hindus will proest against this," Sanjay Raut said, adding that it was all conspiracy of the Bharatiya Janata Party and Raj Thackeray was being made the scapegoat. 

After Raj Thackeray's press breifing, the MVS government responded saying that it seems like someone is hlding guns on the shoulders of the MNS. Speaking to the media, Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut said, "They are distributing situation in Maharashtra, "In Maharashtra many religions places hold Morning Aarti...even in Shirdi the Maha aarti happens. Now, we are recieving complaints that that becuase of the loudspeaker issue, they are able to use the loudspeakers for the Aarti. 

Addressing a press conference, Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut hit back at MNS chief Raj Thackeray for tweeting a video of the late Balasaheb Thackeray on the loudspeaker row. Maintaining that the Sena founder ensured the removal of illegal loudspeakers, he stated that no one should teach his party about the history of the former's thoughts and positions on issues. Moreover, he asked the MNS chief to introspect. 

MNS workers have been detained by the police for chanting slogans outside a mosque in Solapur. 

Speaking on the MNS' ultimatum to the state government for the removal of loudspeakers, former Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis remarked, "I feel that if the Maharashtra government can jail the Rana couple and charge them with sedition for attempting to recite Hanuman Chalisa, you can imagine their stance on loudspeakers. I feel that it is the responsibility of the government to follow the order of the Supreme Court. It is not the responsibility of any party. If the government is not discharging its responsibility, then political parties will have to put forth their own stance."

The effect of the ultimatum given by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president, Raj Thackeray, is visible among the passengers on the local train to Dadar in Mumbai. Passengers travelling in a Mumbai local heading to Dadar on Wednesday morning were seen reciting Hanuman Chalisa at the top of their voices. However, singing devotional songs is not a new thing for some passengers in Mumbai locals.

Speaking to the media, Satpur Police Station Senior Inspector Mahendra Chauhan said, "6 MNS workers have been detained by Police. They were about to begin chanting Hanuman Chalisa in the Bhadrakali area of Nashik but we nabbed them. A case has been registered and the accused will be presented in court". 

A female police constable fell down while taking the action against MNS workers outside Raj Thackeray’s home. Considering the incident, Maharashtra MoS Home Shambhu Raje Bhosale has ordered to take action against MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande.

Raj Thackeray made it clear that the agitation seeking a ban on loudspeakers will continue. He said, "Our agitation will continue, it’s not a battle for just one day. Hanuman Chalisa will continue if people violate laws".

"It’s not a matter between religions, there’s no religious enmity involved in this issue. Illegal loudspeakers should be removed as people are suffering," Raj Thackeray told the media. 

MNS chief Raj Thackeray clarified, "Those who want to use loudspeakers should take permission before using; not against those who take the permission". 

Speaking to the media, MNS chief Raj Thackeray said, "Getting a lot of support on our loudspeaker stand. MNS workers being detained despite the law being followed". 

NCP supremo Sharad Pawar chaired a key meeting of the MVA amid the loudspeaker row. 

By and large, no speakers were used for Azaan at the following places in the morning- Parbhani, Osmanabad, Hingoli and some places in Jalna, Nanded, Nandurbar, Shirdi, Shrirampur. Loudspeakers were used within permissible noise limits in Nashik, Ahmednagar, Jalgaon, and Malegaon. Almost in all the places, loudspeakers were used at low volume. Approximately 250-260 MNS activists have been detained since morning in the state.

Pune Police detained MNS General Secretary Ajay Shinde along with 6 others after they performed "Maha Aarti" in Khalkar Hanuman Temple. They were detained as per preventive action. Pune Police Commissioner Amitabh Gupta said, "Situation is under control. Many mosques did not play morning Azaan on loudspeaker voluntarily, following SC guidelines. 2500 security personnel were deployed across the city to maintain law and order". 

According to MNS Media wing leader Sachin More, party president Raj Thackeray will address a press conference at 1 pm today. He is expected to talk about his clarion call for the removal of loudspeakers from mosques. 

MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande was detained by the Mumbai Police outside Raj Thackeray's residence. This comes after he had a verbal altercation with the police. 

MNS workers from Ambernath were detained with their loudspeakers. In another development, MNS leader Yogesh Shetty was taken into custody by the Sanpada Police. 

As per sources, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar will hold a meeting at the Sahyadri Guest House at 11 am. The meeting will be attended by senior MVA leaders. Various issues are likely to be discussed amid the raging loudspeaker row. 

Heavy security was deployed at several places in Mumbai and adjoining cities a day after MNS chief Raj Thackeray urged people to play the Hanuman Chalisa on loudspeakers wherever they hear loudspeakers "blaring 'Azaan'. The morning prayers were offered peacefully at many mosques, an official said. All senior police officials, including Mumbai Police Commissioner Sanjay Pandey, were out to take stock of the security deployment, he said.

Police were also deployed outside mosques at some places. There was nakabandi' (blockade) at various locations and vehicles were being checked since the early hours to avoid any untoward incident, the official said. As a precautionary measure, the city police have already issued more than 1,600 notices under various sections of the Criminal Procedure Code, including 149 (for preventing cognizable offences), to MNS workers and others. The police had also conducted meetings with maulvis and trustees of various mosques and asked them to follow the Supreme Court guidelines and rules related to noise pollution.

Security was tightened near Puneshswar Hanuman Temple at Kasba Peth area in Pune over MNS' announcement of "Maha Arti" in the temple amid loudspeaker row. 

In an embarrassment for Shiv Sena, MNS chief Raj Thackeray shared a video of his late uncle and Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray where he promised the removal of loudspeakers from mosques when his party comes to power in Maharashtra. 

Security has been heightened outside the residence of MNS chief Raj Thackeray, in Mumbai amid the loudspeaker row.

Mumbai Police Commissioner Sanjay Pandey is on a round to various police stations to review the law and order situation in the city.

MNS activists have organized a Maha Aarti at the Maruti Mandir in the Khalkar Talim Chowk, Pune at 11 am today. This was the same temple in which Raj Thackeray had performed the Hanuman Aarti a few days ago. 

MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande shared a video saying that morning Azaan was not played on loudspeakers as the Muslim community respected sentiments and didn't fall prey to the politics of MVA. He said, "Adhering to his call and not falling prey to the false propaganda of any MVA leader, the Muslim brothers extended cooperation and followed the directions of the SC and HC by not playing Azaan on loudspeakers. I thank them for supporting Raj Saheb's idea". 

Coming down heavily on Raj Thackeray, Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope opined that the MNS president had taken a U-turn on NCP supremo Sharad Pawar. Flaying Thackeray for describing Pawar as 'casteist', Tope urged him to introspect before making such comments. He also recalled that the MNS chief had publicly lauded the former Union Minister until two years ago. Tope's comments come in the wake of the faceoff between MNS and MVA over the former's threat to play Hanuman Chalisa outside mosques if loudspeakers aren't removed. 

Rajesh Tope remarked, "I don't understand the reason for the 360 degrees change in Raj Thackeray who once sang paeans of Sharad Pawar. Until two years ago, he would describe Pawar Saheb as an ideal leader. Today, he is calling him casteist...People who are saying this are creating casteism. They should introspect before pointing fingers at others." 

Outside a mosque in Nerul, MNS workers played the Hanuman Chalisa on a loudspeaker and also chanted 'Jai Shri Ram' slogans. 

Over 7,000 policemen have been deployed in Nagpur city amid the loudspeaker row triggered by MNS chief Raj Thackeray, who has told authorities to get them removed atop mosques by May 4 or face the consequences. 

Amid the tension caused by the loudspeaker row triggered by MNS chief Raj Thackeray, the Thane police said it had issued notices to 1,400 persons who are likely to disturb the peace of the city. Joint Commissioner of Police Datta Karale, in a statement, asked people to maintain peace, not indulge in spreading messages on social media that will result in law and order issues and said no one should take law into their own hands.

"Prohibitory order under section 144 have been issued in the entire commissionerate. Preventive measures have been taken on criminals and anti-socials," the JCP said. He informed that 350 police officials, 7500 constables, nine SRPF platoons and 300 home guards have been deployed in the commissionerate

The police arrested MNS workers who gathered outside a mosque in Navi Mumbai to recite Hanuman Chalisa. 

In Mumbai's Charkop, some MNS activists played the Hanuman Chalisa on the loudspeaker while holding the MNS flag on the terrace of the building as soon as Azaan started.  This happened at 5 am in the Sanjay Nagar area which falls in the Charkop Assembly seat.

On the order of the Mumbai Police Commissioner, MNS' Bandra in-charge Tushar Aphale has been directed to leave the city limits till May 14. This comes ahead of Raj Thackeray's ultimatum to the Maharashtra government to ban loudspeakers failing which Hanuman Chalisa will be played in front of mosques. 

There was a crackdown on MNS leaders in Navi Mumbai on Tuesday. As per sources, 5 office bearers including Prasad Ghorpade, Nitin Naik, Pravin Hange, Sharad Dighe and Nagesh Lingayat were taken into custody by the Koparkhairane Police. 

Maharashtra BJP leader Mohit Kamboj has expressed his vociferous support to Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray's loudspeaker ultimatum, saying that he was 'ready to go to jail' for his religion. Taking to Twitter, Mohit Kamboj asserted that he stood by Thackeray's views on the loudspeaker and was proud to be a Hindu. 

"If I have to go to jail for my religion then I am ready! My support is with Raj Thackeray Ji in the matter of Bhonge! Say with pride that we are Hindus! We are one! Jai Shree Ram!" he wrote. 

NCP Supremo Sharad Pawar calls NCP faction leaders which are part of MVA government on Wednesday, 4 May, at 6 PM. 

In the latest escalation in the loudspeaker row, the police have detained MNS leader Prasad Ghorpade in Koparkhairane. In Navi Mumbai, 5 MNS office bearers were detained by the Koparkhairane police. These include MNS leaders Prasad Ghorpade, Balaji Londhe, Nitin Naik, Praveen Hange, Sharad Dighe, Nagesh Lingayat.

 Over 7,000 policemen have been deployed in Nagpur city amid the loudspeaker row triggered by MNS chief Raj Thackeray, who has told authorities to get them removed atop mosques by May 4 or face the consequences.

"If I have to go to jail for my religion then I am ready! My support is with Raj Thackeray ji in the matter of Bhonge! Say with pride that we are Hindus ! We are one! Jai Shree Ram !" tweeted Maharashtra BJP leader Mohit Kamboj Bharatiya.

"I appeal to CM of Maharashtra that years ago, Shivsena Chief Hindu Hriday Samrat Shri Balasaheb Thackeray had stated that 'all loudspeakers need to silenced'..." said MNS Chief Raj Thackeray. He added. "Are you going to listen to this? Or are you going to follow what non-religious Sharad Pawar who is responsible to keep you in power?" 

Preventive action has so far been taken against more than 15,000 people, under various sections of the CRPC and the Maharashtra Police Act. Under CRPC Section 149, notices were issued against 13,054 people across the state, including MNS workers. 

MNS functionaries who have been issued notices: 

1)Nitin Sardesai
2)Bala Nandgaokar
3)Sandeep Deshpande
4)Sukumar Killedar

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) supremo Raj Thackeray issued his first response hours after an FIR was lodged against him over the Aurangabad rally on Tuesday. Issuing a statement, Thackeray has reiterated his demand to take down the loudspeakers. Moreover, he has stated that if the same is not day by May 4, then people should play Hanuman Chalisa wherever loudspeakers are used. 

"I appeal to everyone that, tomorrow, May 4, if you hear loudspeakers blaring with Azaan, then play Hanuman Chalisa on loudspeakers at the same places. That's when they will realize the hindrance of these loudspeakers," said Raj Thackeray. 

"Mumbai Police cannot arrest Raj Thackeray as the FIR is registered in Sambhaji Nagar. Police from Sambhaji Nagar can come here after informing the local police here. Don't think it (arrest) will happen today. He'll issue a statement in the next half an hour," said MNS leader Yashwant Killedar. 

Speaking to the media outside Raj Thackeray's residence, MNS leader Yashwant Killedar has assured that all is fine. "We are having a tea party inside."

MNS leader Yashwant Killedar has revealed that party president Raj Thackeray will publish a letter shortly, which will have all details pertaining to the fast-paced developments that took place today. 

Aurangabad Police Commissioner on phone has confirmed to Republic that they will not record the statement of Raj Thackeray yet. Nor is the Aurangabad Police going to Mumbai. Just registered an FIR, investigating the matter, he said. 

"Sangli police has requested Mumbai police to implement the NBW issued by the court against Raj Thackeray," Top Mumbai police source told Republic TV. Thackeray was issued a non-bailable warrant by Judicial Magistrate, First Class, Shirala in Sangli district on April 6. This pertains to a 2008 case wherein he was booked under Sections 116 (Abetment of an offense), 117 (abetting commission of offence by the public or by more than ten persons) and 153 and Section 135 of the Bombay Police Act for allegedly making inflammatory speeches. The judge asked the Mumbai Police Commission to arrest the MNS chief and present him before the court. 

Mumbai Police to personally hand notice to MNS chief Raj Thackeray under section 149 of CRPC, hours after an FIR was registered against him over his Aurangabad rally. 

Ahead of the May 4 ultimatum, Maharashtra DGP Rajnish Seth has revealed that the police are capable of managing the law and order situation. The DGP stated that 87 companies of SRPF and over 30,000 Home Guards have been deployed across the state.  He also mentioned that prevention action has been taken against 15,000 persons whereas notice under Section 149 of the CrPC has been issued to over 13,000 individuals. 

Maharashtra DGP Rajnish Seth remarked, "Today, Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil took a review meeting of the law and order situation. Maharashtra Police is capable of handling any law and order situation. We are fully prepared for that. All police forces have been directed to maintain law and order. Preventive action has been taken on a large scale against anti-social and criminal elements. Many meetings have taken place at the local level to maintain social harmony. SRPF and Home Guard have been deployed in large numbers in the state."

With the clock ticking on Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) supremo Raj Thackeray's loudspeaker ultimatum, Maharashtra Home Department intelligence on May 3 received reports that people from outside Maharashtra may come to disturb the law and order situation in the state. 

So far, Mumbai Police has issued notices under Section 149 of the CrPC (to prevent cognisable offence) to 855 people. Also, 465 people were sent out of Mumbai for 15 days under CrPC Section 144 (power to issue order to prevent nuisance of apprehended danger), 94 people were taken into police custody under CrPC Section 151 (arrest to prevent commission of cognizable offence) and 86 were produced before the court under CrPC Section 153 (Inspection) before the May 4 ultimatum. 

Read full story HERE

Police presence has increased at MNS chief Raj Thackeray's residence in Mumbai after an FIR was filed against him by the Aurangabad Police. 

With the Aurangabad police on Tuesday registering an offence against MNS Raj Thackeray over his speech against loudspeakers on mosques, some party leaders slammed the Maharashtra government and said they will hit the streets in case of further action against their party head.

Talking to reporters, MNS Thane district president Avinash Jadhav criticised Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray over the issue. Jadhav claimed it was (Shiv Sena founder) Bal Thackeray who had first demanded the removal of loudspeakers from mosques, but his son (CM Uddhav Thackeray) has booked Raj Thackeray for the same. 

Read the full story HERE

As per the FIR, the Aurangabad Police has raised an objection to this part of Raj Thackeray's May 1 speech: 

"It's my request to police, if they are going to sing azan now you should shut their mouth and if it is not going to happen by the straight and easy way then I don't know after that what will happen in Maharashtra. Whichever police officer is present here I tell them to go and shut this down... And I say whatever is to happen, let it happen now. You should not keep quiet at all..." 

"It's my humble request to Sambhajinagar Police. I am telling you, again and again, that if they are not ready to listen then we will have to show them the power of the people of Maharashtra hence it is my request to the police, shut the mouths of these people first..."

"I appeal to every Hindu brother and sister, don't think about anything, these loudspeakers should be removed. Loudspeakers should be removed from every religious place even if they are in temples but only after the loudspeakers of these people get removed. My request is to every Hindu brother and sister that if these people don't listen by May 3, then from 4 may onwards I should be able to hear the sound of Hanuman Chalisa. Get the permission if you want...take appropriate permission, they will have to give permission. After that permission, you will do everything on high volume and this socially important question pending for years should be addressed and you may all contribute to this."

MNS leader Mahendra Bhanushali has been taken into preemptive custody ahead of Raj Thackeray's May 4 ultimatum. The police has also confiscated speakers from his Chandivali office. 

The MNS chief has been booked under Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 116, 117, 153, and Section 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act. 

Section 116 pertains to 'abetment of an offense'; Section 117 of IPC refers to' abetting the commission of an offence by the public or by more than ten persons'; Section 153 pertains to 'wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot' and Section 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act, authorizes arrest and punishment for violations of Section 37 (prohibitory order issued by Police authority).

Here are the details of the FIR:

"It's not about an individual, No one is above law. The rules of the rally are broken that's why action is being done," said Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole. 

"It is Uddhav Thackeray's government here. What ultimatum? It doesn't work here. Ultimatum politics will not work in Maharashtra. Only the word of the Thackeray government will work here," said Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut when asked about MNS chief Raj Thackeray's ultimatum over loudspeakers. 

After the Aurangabad Police registered an FIR against Raj Thackeray, the Mumbai Police Police reached MNS' office in Dadar. Sources have also informed that Mumbai CP Sanjay Pandey is meeting Crime Branch officials via video conference for the last 30 minutes.

The FIR against the MNS President comes a day after Republic TV reported that the Aurangabad Police will probe the speech delivered by Raj Thackeray. Sources had informed that the police was looking into whether he said anything unlawful, hurt religious sentiments, or incited hatred amongst one community against another. Thereafter a report was submitted to the Maharashtra Home Department.

While giving permission for the rally, the Aurangabad Police had laid down 16 conditions including barring remarks that can create law and order problems and capping the number of attendees to 15,000.

In a massive development amid the loudspeaker row on Tuesday, the Aurangabad Police registered a case against Raj Thackeray and the organizers of the MNS rally that was held on May 1. As per sources, the FIR was filed at the City Chowk police station in the city after the police examined the video of the public meeting. The MNS chief and others have been reportedly booked under Sections 107, 110, 151, and 151(3) of the CrPC and Sections 55 and 56 of the Maharashtra Police Act. Sources indicated that an intelligence report has been submitted to Maharashtra Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil.

Many people from outside Maharashtra attended the MNS rally, the intel report stressed. Earlier, the Mumbai Police issued a notice under Section 149 of the CrPC to 75 BJP, MNS workers, and leaders staying in Dadar. This provision empowers the police to intervene to prevent the commission of any cognizable offence. 

Raj Thackeray put forth the demand to remove loudspeakers from mosques for the first time during his Gudi Padwa speech in Thane on April 12. Addressing a massive rally in Aurangabad on May 1, the MNS chief stressed that he doesn't want to stoke riots in Maharashtra. However, he gave an ultimatum to the Uddhav Thackeray-led government to remove loudspeakers from mosques by May 4, failing which he warned that Hanuman Chalisa will be played at double volume in front of such mosques. He made it clear, "If you are going to give the loudspeaker a religious turn, remember that we will have to reply with religion only".

On May 1, the MNS president said, "It is my humble request to the administration that today is the 1st. Tomorrow, it is the 2nd. Eid is on the 3rd. I don't want to spread any poison at their festival. I will not listen from the 4th. It is my request to all the Hindu brothers and sisters of Maharashtra that you must play Hanuman Chalisa at double volume wherever their loudspeakers are installed." 

The 'preemptive detention' of MNS leader Mahendra Bhanushali comes even as the party cancels its highly-anticipated May 3 'Maha Aarti'. On Monday, MNS chief Raj Thackeray made the announcement on his official Twitter handle and stated that the decision had been taken keeping in mind the celebrations of Eid by the Muslim community. 

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president also made it clear that the loudspeaker issue is not a religious matter but a subject of public interest. "Regarding the loudspeaker issue, I will further notify what we intend to do, via my social media," he added.