Thackeray FB post probe: Action likely to be taken against erring cops
Mumbai, Nov.23 (ANI)
The Mharashtra Government is likely to take action against police officers and personnel responsible for arresting two women in Palghar for posting a 'derogatory' comment on Facebook questioning the need for a shutdown following the death of Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray.
According to a report submitted by the Inspector General of Konkan police on Friday, the charges against the two women have been labelled as "unjustified", and he has suggested that action be taken against the two police officers responsible for ordering their arrest.
Television reports said that the charges against the women may be dropped.
The Additional Superintendent of Police is also likely to face action.
Shaheen Dhadha, 21, was arrested for Facebook status update which reportedly read - 'People like Thackeray are born and die daily and one should not observe a bandh for that.'
Her friend, Renu, who 'liked' her comment was also arrested.
The duo was reportedly booked under Section 295 (a) of the IPC (for hurting religious sentiments) and Section 64 (a) of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
However, within hours of the arrest, both of them were released on bail of Rs. 15,000 each.
Importantly, the girl had withdrawn the comment and apologised before the attacks on her uncle's hospital took place.
Taking note of the incident, Justice Markandey Katju wrote a letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan in which he termed the arrest as absurd and demanded immediate action against guilty officers.
Mumbai police also faced flak from Union Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal, who said that the case might have been mishandled by the Maharashtra police and that the government could step in to save the situation.
"The Maharashtra police mishandled the law, it's illegal to arrest people like this," Sibal was quoted as telling a TV news channel.