Mumbai: -The Azad Maidan Police have registered a case against more than 250 workers and leaders from the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) for staging an unauthorized protest and burning a symbolic copy of a government circular mandating Hindi as a third language in primary education.
The protest took place on June 29 between 2:00 PM and 3:30 PM outside the Marathi Patrakar Sangh near MCGM Road. Organized by Dr. Deepak Pawar of the School Education Study and Action Coordination Committee, the gathering escalated with fiery slogans, torch-bearing demonstrators, and the burning of an effigy wrapped in printed government circulars.
Despite police presence, including senior officers, the crowd continued their demonstration in violation of Section 144 and without police permission. DCP Dr. Pravin Mundhe confirmed the breach of public order.
An FIR has been filed under Sections 189(2), 190, and 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 and Section 123 of the Maharashtra Police Act. Named accused include Dr. Deepak Pawar, Santosh Shinde, Santosh Gharat, Vaibhav Mayekar, Shashi Pawar, Yugendra Salekar, Santosh Veer, and several unidentified individuals. Investigations are ongoing.
