Court allows police interrogation of Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad over threat to publisher

The Kolhapur court heard that the police had heard late Govind Pansare’s ‘Who Was Shivaji?’ He allowed himself to question Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad regarding the threat made against publisher Prashant Ambi over the title of his book. Police had previously refused to press charges; The court’s decision now paves the way for further steps.

The Rajarampuri police station in Kolhapur is expected to issue a notice to Mr. Gaikwad, directing him to attend interrogation or submit his answer in writing. The MLA said he would cooperate with the police. Meanwhile, Mr. Ambi claimed that he continues to receive threatening calls from Mr. Gaikwad’s supporters and will lodge a fresh complaint.

The incident dates back to Govind Pansare’s book ‘Shivaji Kon Hota’ (Who Was Shivaji?) written 37 years ago. Mr. Gaikwad objected to the use of the single word ‘Shivaji’ for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He called Mr. Ambi, mistreated him and threatened to kill him if the book was published. A clip of the speech went viral. Mr. Ambi tried to protest outside Mr. Gaikwad’s house in Buldhana but was detained by the police.

“I will enter your house and kill you, crush you, cut out your tongue,” Mr. Gaikwad said in the phone call. When Mr. Ambi explained that the book was written by Professor Pansare and published in 1988 without any intention of insulting Shivaji Maharaj, Mr. Gaikwad continued the harassment.

After the court’s permission, Mr. Gaikwad expressed regret for the abusive language he used. He said that he would continue his stand if the issue of insulting Shivaji arises in future. ‘Dagalbaj Shivaji’ and ‘Shivaji: Who was Shivaji?’ He added that he would pressure him to ban his books. in the next parliamentary session.

Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Chandra Pawar) MLA Rohit Pawar targeted Mr. Gaikwad. Mr. Pawar questioned why the police administration, which took immediate action in the Vikas Lawande case, delayed the Prashant Ambi case despite having evidence. He said the Kolhapur court allowed the investigation of a public representative who insulted Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, supported Govind Pansare’s murder, abused Mr. Ambi and insulted women. He also stated that the Supreme Court has accepted the petition on the issue and the hearing will begin soon.

Advocate Asim Sarode sought reasonable cause against Mr. Gaikwad. Mr. Sarode said a petition was filed in the Kolhapur High Court on behalf of Mr. Ambi, seeking the same. “Sanjay Gaikwad will now know that obeying the law means respecting Chhatrapati Shivaji R.