Court summons Raj Thackeray in toll plaza vandalism case

NAVI MUMBAI: The Vashi JMFC court at Belapur on Thursday cancelled a bailable warrant issued to MNS chief Raj Thackeray and served summons to him to remain present in court on February 6 in connection with a FIR registered at Vashi police station after MNS activists vandalised the Vashi toll plaza.
MNS activists vandalised the toll booth after being allegedly provoked by Raj Thackeray’s speech in Vashi in 2012.
Advocate Akshay Kashid, one of the lawyers representing Raj Thackeray said, "The then Home minister late RR Patil had directed the Vashi Police to seek legal opinion on whether Thackeray's speech had provoked MNS workers for vandalism. The police report concluded that Thackeray's speech was provocative, and a FIR was registered against Thackeray."
Kashid added, "The Vashi Police had filed a charge sheet. Last year, the Vashi JMFC court had served a bailable warrant to Raj Thackeray. We received the warrant after Covid lockdown. Hence, the lawyer told the court that Thackeray is a public figure and is not absconding. Therefore, the warrant should be revoked. The court then asked the lawyers representing Thackeray to produce him before the court on February 6 and accordingly served a summon."
Vashi Police station senior inspector Sanjeev Dhumal said, "Our constable was sent to Raj Thackeray's residence and he has served the summons issued by the Vashi JMFC court."