Police register non-cognisable offence against MLA over threat call to publisher

Kolhapur: A non-cognisable offence was registered late on Friday night against Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad for allegedly threatening and abusing Prashant Ambi, the publisher of a book on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj written by late rationalist and CPI leader Govind Pansare. The case was registered around 11.30pm for an alleged expletive-laden phone call made two days earlier.According to the complaint, Gaikwad allegedly threatened Ambi with dire consequences, including warnings to "crush him under feet," "beat him," "cut his tongue," and told him to "go where Govind Pansare has gone". Despite the nature of the alleged threats, the police registered a non-cognisable offence, drawing sharp criticism from political and progressive organisations.CPI and several progressive groups on Saturday condemned the police action, alleging political pressure to shield the MLA. Representatives met additional superintendent of police Dheerajkumar Bachchu in the morning, accusing the the police of deliberately avoiding registration of a cognisable offence.Claiming bias and institutional failure, the organisations announced a symbolic effigy-burning of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis at Bindu Chowk on Monday. They also declared a protest march outside MLA Gaikwad's residence in Buldhana on Tuesday.Publisher Prashant Ambi said the police had initially assured him of registering a cognisable offence, but later reversed their stand. "There appears to be one system of justice for common citizens and another for powerful politicians. After making us wait for hours, the police registered only a non-cognisable offence. This is a betrayal of trust, and we will now protest on the streets," Ambi said.Meanwhile, MLA Sanjay Gaikwad offered a partial apology, saying he regretted making derogatory remarks involving women. However, he reiterated his objection to the book's title. Addressing the media in Buldhana, Gaikwad said he had consistently demanded full usage of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's name in institutional titles and publications. "I apologise if I have spoken offensively about the publisher's mother or wife on the phone. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is our beloved deity. We have repeatedly asked that the full name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj be mentioned in the names of Shivaji University or Shivaji Shikshan Sanstha."In a brief interaction with the media on the controversy surrounding his party's MLA Sanjay Gaikwad, deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde said, "Gaikwad has been reprimanded and he has tendered an apology."Hindutva groups demand ban on bookHindutva organisations in Kolhapur staged demonstrations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Chowk, demanding an immediate ban on the book. The groups too met additional SP Dheerajkumar Bachchu and submitted a memorandum seeking a ban on the book's sale and criminal action against the publisher. They warned of intensified protests if their demands are not met.