Residents in Hadapsar area demand ban on Hindu Rashtra Sena

A few residents of Sayyad Nagar have demanded a ban on Hindu Rashtra Sena (HRS). Riots broke out in Hadapsar area after HRS members allegedly killed 26-year-old techie Mohsin Shaikh after derogatory remarks against Shivaji Maharaj and Bal Thackeray appeared on a social networking site. People who suffered during the riots have decided to write a letter to Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding a ban on the outfit on charges of disturbing the communal harmony in the city.

One of the residents of Sayyad Nagar, Akbar Shaikh, said HRS was spreading hatred in the society. "The government has banned the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) after members of that organisation were found to be involved in terrorist activities. Why is the government then taking time to ban outfits like the HRS, whose role has been established in Shaikh's murder," he asked.

Altaf Shaikh, another resident, said HRS had presence in Hadapsar and other fringe areas of the city. "We will be going to Mumbai to meet home minister RR Patil and Chief Minister Prithaviraj Chavan to submit the letter," he said.

He further said that they would also post a letter to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and seek their attention on the increasing presence of HRS in the society, and demand a ban on the outfit.