'Raj Thackeray provoked others to break dahi handi rules'

MNS chief Raj Thackeray could get in trouble for allegedly flouting the Dahi Handi rules set by the apex court. The petitioner, who had earlier brought up the dahi handi safety issues in court, approached the high court yesterday asking for action against Thackeray.

The MNS chief had on August 18 remarked that the court should not interfere in religious functions and that the state government had failed to represent the people in this issue.

He had also asked his followers to celebrate the festival with full vigour and assured full assistance in case of any legal hassle.

However, petitioner Swati Patil, through her counsel Nitesh Nivase, submitted several news reports to Justice Vidyadhar Kanade that can pin Thackeray down for contempt of court.

Meanwhile, senior MNS leader Bala Nandgoankar said, "If somebody wants to file a contempt case against us, let him. We are behind the dahi handi mandals."