A Shiv Sena leader, Vikas Repale, and several others have been booked in Thane for their alleged involvement in an attack on a 25-year-old Dalit student and his associates. The incident, which took place late Wednesday night, has sparked significant controversy and led to a police case under various charges, including those under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
According to the police, the altercation occurred at a temple in the Wagle Estate area, where Repale, a former corporator and a close aide of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, had organized a meeting. The complainant, who identifies as a Dalit and practices Buddhism, claimed that Repale and his associates obstructed him and others from entering the temple. Repale reportedly questioned why a person of a different religion would attend a temple meeting and attempted to physically assault the complainant with a rod. The group accompanying Repale allegedly threw slippers and stones at the complainant and his group.
The complainant also reported that while he was on his way to the police station to file a complaint, the group threw stones at him. As a result, the police have charged Repale and others under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The charges include assault, unlawful assembly, and incitement to riot, among others. Additionally, one of the accused faces allegations of molestation based on a separate complaint.
Despite the serious nature of the accusations, no arrests have been made so far, and the investigation is ongoing. The police indicated that the incident may be related to a longstanding rivalry between the involved groups.
Repale, who has been implicated in this case, has denied the allegations. He claimed to local news outlets that he was not present at the temple during the incident. The situation remains tense, with the community and political figures closely monitoring the developments.
The attack on the Dalit student has stirred protests and calls for justice, drawing attention to issues of caste-based discrimination and political influence in local affairs. The police are continuing their investigation to address the charges and ensure accountability for the alleged misconduct.
