Maharashtra: Rajapeth cops book Ranas, supporters for impeding traffic

AMRAVATI: Rajapeth police have booked MP Navneet Rana, MLA Ravi Rana and 15 others under various sections of the IPC for impeding traffic during their welcome rally on Saturday night, causing noise pollution by playing loudspeakers after 10pm.
The Rana couple was arrested on April 23 after announcing they would recite Hanuman Chalisa in front of ‘Matoshree’, the residence of Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray in Bandra in Mumbai. The couple was granted bail on May 4 by a special court.
The Ranas have returned to the city after 36 days.
After garlanding the statue of Dr Ambedkar at Irwin Square, a welcome procession was taken out by their supporters. Workers of Bhim Brigade had gathered there to oppose the couple but police rounded them to avoid any untoward incident.
When the procession reached Rajkamal Square, the activists of Yuva Swabhiman Party expressed joy. They garlanded the couple with a pythonous garland. Navneet Rana wielded a mace to cheer up the activists.
Later the procession reached Hanuman temple in Ravi Nagar where the Ranas took part in Hanuman Chalisa reading and aarti. It was alleged that loudspeakers were blaring even after 10pm here.
At their residence in Shankar Nagar, a ‘dugdhaabhishek’ (bath with milk) was performed.
Commissioner of police Arti Singh told TOI that the Ranas have been booked under sections 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 341 and 283 (Causing danger, obstruction or, injury in any public way or line of navigation) of the IPC and 134 and 135 Maharashtra Police Act and Environment Conservation Act.
Meanwhile, speaking to a TV channel, Ravi Rana said he and his wife had not violated any norms while attending welcome events organised by their supporters in Nagpur and Amravati on Saturday.
He also attacked chief minister Uddhav Thackeray and said 75% industries that were set up in Vidarbha during the BJP government under Devendra Fadnavis had closed down under the MVA dispensation.
Thackeray has failed to curb load-shedding and other power woes as well as suicides among disgruntled Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) staff, the MLA alleged.
(With inputs from agency)