Pune Police Arrest 2 MNVS Activists, May Issue Notice to Amit Thackeray

Pune Police arrested two activists of the Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena (MNVS) on Monday night in connection with a case registered against MNVS chief Amit Thackeray and 20-25 activists. The case was filed after the activists allegedly entered the Government Polytechnic College in Ganeshkhind without permission and raised slogans.

The incident occurred when Thackeray and the activists visited the college to meet the principal over complaints concerning students' hostel facilities, the canteen, and other amenities. During the visit, they allegedly entered the college premises and the principal's cabin without permission. The activists also allegedly removed a photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the principal's cabin, which had been placed next to a photograph of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Thackeray had objected to the placement of Modi's photograph next to that of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, following which the activists allegedly removed it. College principal Dr. Rajendra Patil subsequently approached Chaturshringi Police and alleged that the MNVS activists had entered the premises without permission, threatened the principal and staff, and obstructed government work.

Based on Patil's complaint, police registered a case against Thackeray and around 20-25 activists under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Maharashtra Police Act, including those related to obstructing public servants in the discharge of their duties and unlawful assembly. Police have so far arrested Prashant Kanojia and Vikrant Bhilare in the case.

Thackeray has not been arrested yet, but police are likely to issue him a notice to appear for questioning before deciding on any further action. The arrests have triggered anger among MNVS workers, while the police action has intensified political activity surrounding the incident in Pune.

The Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena (MNVS) is a student wing of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), a political party founded by Raj Thackeray, Amit Thackeray's uncle. The MNS has been known for its activism on various issues, including education and student welfare.

The incident has sparked a political controversy in Pune, with various parties reacting to the arrests and the police action. The MNVS has alleged that the police action is an attempt to suppress the voice of students and activists, while the police have maintained that they are taking action against those who have broken the law.

The case is likely to have implications for the political landscape in Pune and Maharashtra, with the MNS and other parties likely to use the incident to mobilize support and criticize the government. The incident has also raised questions about the freedom of speech and assembly, and the limits of political activism in the state.

In conclusion, the arrests of the two MNVS activists and the possible notice to Amit Thackeray have sparked a political controversy in Pune, with various parties reacting to the incident. The case is likely to have implications for the political landscape in Maharashtra and will be closely watched by politicians and activists in the state.