Case registered against BJP MLA Nitesh Rane for hate speech at Ganpati programme in Navi Mumbai

A case has been registered against BJP MLA Nitesh Rane for allegedly targeting the minority community during his speech at a Ganpati programme in Navi Mumbai, police said on Monday.

The case was registered on Sunday at the NRI police station against Rane and the organiser of a Ganpati event in Navi Mumbai based on a complaint lodged by a policeman, an official said.

The complainant alleged that one Sankalp Gharat had organised seven-day Ganpati celebrations at Ulve without requisite permission, and Rane was a chief guest.

During the programme on September 11, Rane allegedly targeted the minority community in his speech and instigated people, the complaint stated.

A first information report (FIR) has been registered under sections 302 (uttering words with deliberate intent to wound religious feelings of any person), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) and other relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), the official said.