A case has been registered against BJP MLA Nitesh Rane for allegedly delivering hate speech targeting the minority community during a Ganpati event in Navi Mumbai, police said on Monday. The incident took place on September 11 during a seven-day Ganpati celebration organized by Sankalp Gharat in the Ulve area, where Rane was invited as the chief guest.
According to the complaint lodged by a police officer, Rane's speech allegedly targeted the minority community and incited the audience, leading to an atmosphere of tension. The event was reportedly conducted without the requisite permissions. Based on the complaint, the NRI police station registered an FIR against both Rane and the event organizer.
The FIR includes charges under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), including Section 302 for uttering words with deliberate intent to wound religious feelings, Section 351(2) for criminal intimidation, Section 352 for intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of peace, and other relevant provisions.
The Navi Mumbai police are currently investigating the matter to determine the full extent of the alleged hate speech and its impact on communal harmony. Further actions will depend on the outcome of this investigation.
