Thane: Banner with Savitribai Phule's image torn; case registered

Savitribai Phule. File Photo

A case has been registered against five persons for allegedly tearing a banner having the image of social reformer Savitribai Phule in Maharashtra's Thane district and abusing a woman who questioned their actions, police said on Sunday, reported news agency PTI.

The incident took place on January 3 at Shelar village in Mitpada area of Bhiwandi town on the birth anniversary of Phule, a pioneer in women's education, reported PTI.

During the celebration organised by some women in the area, banners were put up which had the images of Savitribai Phule, social worker Nilesh Sambre and Shelar sarpanch Kiran Channe, among others, reported PTI.

Two persons riding a motorcycle allegedly dashed against the banner deliberately and tore it, an official from Bhiwandi taluka police station said, reported PTI.

When a 39-year-old woman questioned the actions of the accused, they allegedly abused and insulted her, he said, reported PTI.

Based on her complaint, a case was registered on January 4 against five persons under Indian Penal Code Sections 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace) and 506 (criminal intimidation) and provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the police added, reported PTI.

In another case, police have registered a case against 17 hawkers for allegedly attacking staff members of the Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation (MBMC) during an anti-encroachment drive in Maharashtra's Thane district, an official said on Sunday, reported PTI.

The civic officials and workers accompanied by local police undertook the task of removing encroachments by hawkers in Shanti Nagar locality under the MBMC limits on January 4, reported PTI.

However, the hawkers allegedly abused the civic staff and assaulted them. Some persons who tried to intervene and rescue the civic staff were also attacked, the official from Nayanagar police station said, reported PTI.

Those injured in the attack underwent treatment at local hospitals, reported PTI.

A case was registered against the accused under relevant provisions, the police said, reported PTI.

Meanwhile, A 23-year-old man was allegedly beaten up by a fruit shop owner and his family members after he demanded return of Rs 2,000 he had lent to him in Thane district of Maharashtra, police said on Sunday, reported PTI.

The incident took place on January 3 in Ganeshpuri area, reported PTI.

(With inputs from PTI)