The Maharashtra government on Wednesday transferred Mira Bhayandar-Vasai Virar Police Commissioner Madhukar Pandey following controversy over the denial of permission for a Marathi Morcha. He has now been appointed as Additional Director General of Administration. IPS officer Niket Kaushik will replace him as the new Police Commissioner.
The controversy began on July 1 when a group of MNS workers allegedly slapped a food vendor in Bhayander for refusing to speak in Marathi. A video of the incident went viral. The footage showed men wearing MNS scarves confronting the vendor and demanding that he speak in Marathi.
Police later filed a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against seven MNS members for rioting, threatening, and assault. The accused were briefly detained and later released with notices. Local traders in Bhayander area organized a protest demanding action against those who assaulted the food stall owner. In response, MNS planned a counter-rally. In response, MNS announced a counter-rally. However, Mira Bhayander police denied permission for the rally and heightened security in the area.
Members of opposition parties, including Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (Sharad Pawar group), also joined the rally. Tensions escalated when Shiv Sena minister Pratap Sarnaik visited the protest site. He was heckled and forced to leave by angry demonstrators.
The BJP-led state government faced criticism over the handling of the rally. Police had detained MNS leader Avinash Jadhav from his home in Thane around 3.30 am on Tuesday. A day earlier, police had issued a prohibitory order preventing Jadhav from entering Mira Bhayandar. He was released later that day.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis later clarified that permission was granted for the rally. He added that the party had demanded a specific route that posed challenges to law and order.
(With inputs from agencies)