Vandalism takes its toll on Raj Thackeray, Vashi cops file case

Five days after his provocative speech against toll tax in the state, the Vashi police on Thursday registered a case against Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray.

Thackeray has been booked under sections 153, 504, 505 (1) (b) and 117 of the Indian Penal Code and section 135 of Maharashtra Police Act.

Thackeray had visited Navi Mumbai on Sunday and asked his supporters to ensure that no tax is charged at any toll naka across Maharashtra. Incited by his provocative speech, his party workers vandalised the toll booths not only in the satellite city, but also in the entire state.

Navi Mumbai police commissioner AK Sharma had earlier told dna that they were taking legal opinion on that matter and would then decide the future course of action. “After analysing the whole situation, we finally registered a case against him on Thursday,” said Fateh Singh Patil, additional commissioner of police, Navi Mumbai.

However, Patil did not confirm whether or not Thackeray would be arrested for his provocative speech that deteriorated the law and order situation across the state. “Our investigation is on and the appropriate decisions will be taken at the appropriate time. I won’t be able say much at this point of time,” he said.

The Vashi police had earlier arrested four persons for their involvement in the crime.

The island city of Mumbai has five major entry points, which generate an estimated Rs.2 billion anually from toll collections and many complaints have been raised even by citizens over the continual payment of tolls without improvement in services at any point of time.