Maharashtra Congress chief Sapkal booked over comment about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Tipu Sultan

The FIR states, “When the complainant was watching social media (Instagram) on his mobile phone, he came across of a viral video which Harshvardhan Sapkal, the State President of the Congress (I) party, made an objectionable statement by comparing Tipu Sultan with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. His statement has hurt the sentiments of all those who revere Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Harshvardhan Sapkal has insulted Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. On the basis of a complaint stating that his remarks are provocative and likely to create enmity in society, an offence has been registered.”

The police have invoked Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 192 (eantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot), 196 (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony), 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), and 356 (defamation).

The Parvati police have started an investigation, Senior Inspector Rajendra Sahane said.