2008 railway recruitment exam violence case ‘false’, MNS chief Raj Thackeray tells Thane court

Thane: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Wednesday told a Thane court that the criminal case arising out of the 2008 agitation during the Railway Recruitment Board examination was “false” and claimed that he was not present at the scene of the alleged incident.

The case pertains to violent protests that erupted during the 2008 railway recruitment examination, when MNS workers allegedly targeted outstation candidates, particularly from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, claiming that Maharashtrian youths were being denied opportunities in railway jobs.

According to the case, the agitation at Kalyan railway station turned violent, leaving several candidates injured and leading to clashes with police. Thackeray and others were booked on charges including rioting, unlawful assembly, and obstructing public servants from discharging their duties.

During the hearing, Thackeray reportedly told the court that the case was fabricated and asserted that he was in Nashik at the time of the incident, not at Kalyan. The defence also argued that the other accused had been unnecessarily implicated in the matter.

Advocate Shailesh Sadekar, appearing for Thackeray, informed that the defence would commence final arguments in the matter. The court has scheduled the final arguments for May 18, with Sadekar set to open submissions on behalf of the MNS chief.