Maharashtra: FIR registered against Praveen Togadia for making 'hate speeches'

Mumbai: Police in Nanded district in Maharashtra on Thursday registered an FIR against Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Praveen Togadia for allegedly making provocative speeches. Togadia has been charged under Section 295A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings or any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs), Section 505 (statements conducing public mischief) and Section 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc). All India United Democratic Front member Imran Ali had complaint against Togadia to Nanded Police.

Earlier in the day, the Centre asked the Maharashtra government to probe the charges and book the Hindu outfit leader if he is found to be violating laws. The Home Ministry has asked the Prithviraj Chavan-led Maharashtra government to investigate allegations that Togadia made provocative speeches against the members of a particular community. "The Home Ministry's advise is clear. Once they have confirmed forensic evidence, appropriate action as per law must be taken against Togadia," an official said.

The Maharashtra government assured the Centre that it will take due legal process. Minister of State for Home RPN Singh said if Togadia's speech was inflammatory, the state government would action against him. The Congress government in the state has reportedly ordered forensic examination of Togadia's alleged hate speech and is now waiting for a detailed report to be able to register a case against him for "inciting communal hatred".

Earlier in the day, the Centre had asked the state government to probe charges against Togadia and book him if found to be violating laws.

At a public meeting at Bhokar town in Nanded district of Maharashtra on January 22 - details of which are now emerging after a video-recording was posted online - Togadia had allegedly attacked Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi and members of a particular community. Owaisi was sent to jail on charges of delivering a hate speech at Nirmal town in Adilabad district of Andhra Pradesh last month.

Demanding swift and stringent action against Togadia, Congress leader Digvijaya Singh said no religious leader should be allowed to play with communal accord in the country. CPI-M politburo member Sitaram Yechury has also demanded action against Togadia.

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