Maratha quota protest: Mumbai police file 9 FIRs against agitators on charges of unlawful assembly, wrongful restraint

A senior Mumbai police officer confirmed that nine FIRs have been registered on charges of unlawful assembly and wrongful restraint (rasta roko). “In some instances, some protesters tried to forcibly enter the Cricket Club of India premises, following which an FIR was registered against them,” the officer said.

“We will make efforts to identify all those involved in these cases,” the officer said, adding that since the sections invoked carry less than seven years’ punishment, the accused have not been arrested.

The majority of the FIRs were related to groups of Maratha agitators trying to halt traffic, creating a nuisance in public spaces, and not following norms set by the police.

“In some instances, despite police intervention, the protesters did not listen to them and continued to break the law, following which the FIRs were registered,” the officer said.

Sources, however, indicated that, usually, when it comes to political agitations, these are withdrawn by the state administration after a few months.

The officer said that three FIRs were registered at the Azad Maidan Police Station, two at Marine Drive Police Station, and one each at MRA Marg, J J Marg, Dongri and Colaba police stations, respectively.

After the Maharashtra Government agreed to most of their demands Tuesday, the Maratha quota protesters left for their villages.

They had begun protests under the leadership of Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil last Friday, and were permitted to agitate until Saturday, after which they continued with the protest despite no police permission. The protesters also failed to adhere to the norms established by the police when granting permission.