Mumbai: Shiv Sena, BJP workers clash in Juhu over Narayan Rane's 'slap' remark; five cops injured

Police resorted to lathicharge as a scuffle broke out between Shiv Sena and BJP workers. Pic/Pradeep Dhivar

Shiv Sena workers clashed with Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) workers on Tuesday morning near union minister Narayan Rane's Juhu residence as a political storm ensued between the two parties. Police resorted to mild lathicharge and five personnel sustained minor injuries, one of them was taken to the hospital for treatment.

Santacruz police registered an FIR each against the two party's workers for flouting COVID protocols and rioting.

Workers of the Yuva Sena and Shivsainiks had gathered to protest the remarks made by Rane regarding Chief Minister and Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray. Another FIR was registered at Kasturba Marg police station against six people and 80-90 unknown people for similar offences.

Also read: 'Slap Uddhav' row: A new front opens in the Shiv Sena-BJP war

Police control a crowd at Narayan Rane's Juhu home. Pic/Pradeep Dhivar

The issue erupted over Rane saying on August 23 that he would slap Thackeray for not knowing the details of the year of Independence. The remark caused an uproar and three FIRs were filed against Rane in Nashik, Mahad and Pune districts.

Social media protests

Sena workers were protesting against the remark on social media while Rane's son, Nitesh, tweeted after midnight, challenging Yuva Sena workers to come to their Juhu residence.

On Tuesday, Yuva Sena workers including Amey Ghole and Varun Sardesai reached Juhu along with hundreds of Shivsainiks. Around noon, BJP workers, too, reached the spot. Suddenly, a scuffle broke between Shivsainiks and BJP workers, leading to the lathicharge.

"We have filed two FIRs in the incident against the two parties' workers. Each FIR has names of 50 to 60 workers and their leaders for flouting COVID-19 regulations and rioting," said Dnyaneshwar Ganore, senior inspector, Santacruz police station. "Five police personnel sustained minor injuries, one of them was taken to the hospital for treatment. He was allowed to go home after treatment," Ganore added. No arrests have been made yet.

Cops were on alert throughout the city to prevent further clashes. In Ulhasnagar, Shivsainiks allegedly beat up nominated corporator Pradip Ramchandani. His face was also blackened. No arrests have been made yet in the case. Shivsainiks also pelted stones at the Kalyan BJP office. A scuffle broke between both party workers outside the office.

3
Total FIRs registered in the city for two separate incidents