Political tensions have escalated in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar as police registered a case against a candidate from the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) for allegedly intimidating and obstructing Congress party workers during campaign activities. This incident adds another layer to the already charged atmosphere following a violent clash just a day earlier.
Details of the Fresh FIR
The latest First Information Report (FIR) was filed on Thursday at the City Chowk police station based on a complaint from the wife of a Congress candidate. Notably, her husband is among those absconding in connection with the attack on AIMIM state president Syed Imtiaz Jaleel's vehicle that occurred on Wednesday.
In her statement, the complainant alleged that around 7 PM on Thursday, the AIMIM candidate, accompanied by his relatives and supporters, threatened her and other Congress workers. She claimed they were wrongfully restrained and prevented from carrying out their door-to-door campaigning in the ward. The accused allegedly warned them of "serious consequences" if they continued their canvassing efforts.
Acting on her complaint, the police booked the AIMIM candidate, his relatives, and eight other individuals under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections 126(2) for wrongful restraint and 352 for assault or use of criminal force.
Backdrop of the Jinsi Chowk Clash
This new case emerges amidst heightened friction after a violent confrontation at Jinsi Chowk on Wednesday. In that incident, two Congress candidates and 58 others were booked for allegedly attacking the SUV of former MP and AIMIM leader Syed Imtiaz Jaleel.
Assistant police inspector Aruna Ghule, the investigation officer for that case, stated that all 11 arrested accused were produced before a court on Friday and have been remanded to judicial custody. Police teams are actively working to trace the remaining absconding accused named in the earlier FIR related to the attack on Jaleel's vehicle.
Police Assure Strict Action
Senior police officials have reiterated their commitment to maintaining order during the civic election process. A senior officer emphasized that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt law and order or intimidate political rivals.
"No one will be allowed to intimidate rivals or obstruct lawful campaigning. Both cases are being investigated independently on their merits," the officer stated.
Commissioner of Police Pravin Pawar confirmed that security has been tightened, particularly in sensitive areas of the old city, as campaigning intensifies in the lead-up to the civic polls. The police force is on high alert to prevent any further escalation of violence or unlawful activities.
