Anti-Thackeray FB comment: IG report indicts police

The enquiry report on the arrest of two girls for their Facebook comments against the shutdown for Shiv Sena Chief Bal Thackeray's funeral has indicted the policemen involved in initiating action and observed that the arrests could have been avoided.

The confidential report submitted to the DGP office has also recommended departmental action against the errant cops, a police official said on condition of anonymity.

"The report filed by Inspector General (Konkan Range) Sukhvindar Singh also mentions that sections applied in the case were not justified," the official said adding the police would seek advice from the government on dropping of the charges against the girls.    

Meanwhile, a national news channel had showed a video clipping stating how Palghar Deputy Superintendent of Police Ramdas Shinde tried to appease the Shiv Sena men and promised action even after the girls had apologised for their facebook comments, though his face was not clearly seen.

"We are registering a case under section 295 A of the IPC and Section 66A of the IT Act. Their family members are here and they are ready to give a written apology. But that doesn't mean we will not register a case. I will also give you a copy of the apology in 15-20 minutes," Shinde was seen saying in the video.

"Be rest assured that action will be taken. Please remain calm. An unfortunate incident has taken place. Please don't give in to incitement. I am with you in your sentiments. Please understand me," the video showed Shinde as saying.

Shaheen Dadha and Renu Srinivasan, both aged 21, from Palghar were arrested on Monday after Dadha posted a Facebook status protesting the Mumbai shutdown after Thackeray's death and Renu 'liked' it. The girls were later released on bail.

They were arrested under IPC's sections 295 (A) (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings or any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) and 505(2) IPC (statements creating or promoting enmity, hatred or ill-will between classes) and the IT ACT.

A clinic owned by Shaheen's uncle was also ransacked, allegedly by a group of Shiv Sena workers. Ten people were arrested for the attack but were soon released on a bail of Rs 7,500 each as surety.

Following an outrage over the girls' arrest, the state government instituted an enquiry headed by Inspector General (Konkan Range) Sukhvindar Singh, who submitted the report.