RUCKUS: Home department explores possibility of rearresting MNS chief in previous cases

The state Home Department is consulting legal experts and senior Maharashtra Police officers on its options in dealing with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray. One of the strongest legal recourses being explored is the possibility of Thackeray’s arrest for a breach of bail conditions in previous offences against him, police sources told Newsline.

“There is considerable movement on this whole issue. The home department is now consulting top legal experts and IPS officers on what action can possibly be taken against Raj Thackeray. Something which is being discussed is the possibility of arresting him for a breach of conditions imposed on him by the judiciary while being granted bail in previous offences against him,” said a top police officer, on condition of anonymity.

According to the officer, there were three or four prior cases registered against Thackeray, in which he is currently out on bail. Each of these cases, and the court orders passed while granting Thackeray bail, are now being reviewed.

On February 13 last year, Thackeray was arrested from his residence on charges of promoting enmity between groups. His remarks against North Indian migrants had sparked off sporadic incidents of violence across the state. The MNS chief was produced before a Vikhroli court, and was granted bail minutes later.

In the corresponding bail order, Judge SJ Sharma had imposed the following conditions on Thackeray — “(He) shall cooperate with the investigating officer and shall take care that there shall be no breach of peace/ tranquility in Maharashtra State by his leadership in his political career.”

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