Mumbai: MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande and 2 others booked for attempt to culpable homicide

Sandeep Deshpande. File Pic

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Sandeep Deshpande, who is still at large, has been booked by Shivaji Park police for attempting to commit culpable homicide along with 2 others. Deshpande had run away from outside of his party supremo Raj Thackeray's residence at Shivaji Park on May 4 and had allegedly injured a woman constable and an inspector. Cops at the police station and Crime Branch officials are trying to find out the whereabouts of Deshpande for more than 24 hours.

On May 4, Thackeray had given a call for agitation against azaan from loudspeakers installed at mosques across the country. He had asked MNS members to play Hanuman Chalisa on loudspeakers if they hear any mosque playing azaan. To contain any untoward situation, Mumbai Police had served notice to several MNS workers from May 1 onwards. This included MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande, Santosh Dhuri and Santosh Sali.

Despite the notice being issued, cops found Deshpande and others issuing statements that could incite tension among communities. On May 4, Deshpande and 2 others appeared at Shivaji Park and went inside Shivteerth, the residence of Thackeray, around 11.15 am. Following this, Shivaji Park cops went forward to nab them. Deshpande ran away from the spot in a car which resulted in police constable Rohini Mali, and Inspector Keshavkumar Kasar getting injured.

Shivaji Park cops in connection with the incident have booked Deshpande, Sali and Santosh Dhuri under IPC section 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), 279 (rash driving), 336 (Act endangering life or personal safety of others), 353 (Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) and 34 (common intention).