Maratha Community Demands Arrest of Ex-Journo Over Remarks on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj

Nagpur: The Sakal Maratha community and followers of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj demanded the immediate arrest of former journalist Prashant Koratkar for allegedly making derogatory remarks about the revered Maratha king, his son Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, and mother Rajmata Jijau. The remarks, made during a conversation with historian Indrajit Sawant, have triggered widespread outrage across Maharashtra.
The controversy erupted during a discussion about Chhava, a movie portraying the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Koratkar, who now operates a media portal, allegedly used offensive language against the Maratha icons, sparking anger and accusations that he was attempting to incite social discord.
On Wednesday, members of the Sakal Maratha community staged a protest outside Koratkar's residence in Nagpur. Following the demonstration, representatives including Prakash Khandagale, Amol Mane, Swapnil Kale, Alok Rasal, and Deepak Ingle met deputy commissioner of police (DCP) Rashmitha Rao. The DCP assured the delegation that Koratkar would be arrested within 24 hours.
However, by Thursday afternoon, no arrest was made, prompting another demonstration at Beltarodi police station. Protesters demanded that an FIR be registered against Koratkar in Nagpur, alongside the existing case in Kolhapur. ACP Shelke informed the crowd that a coordinated investigation was underway between the police teams from both cities to ensure swift action.
Former royal and community leader Raje Mudhoji Bhosale led a delegation to the Nagpur police commissioner's office, urging authorities to charge Koratkar under sedition laws. Bhosale and other leaders emphasised that continued insults to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's legacy would no longer be tolerated.
Protesters also accused Koratkar of attempting to stir caste-based tensions by referencing the caste of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. The Citizen Action Committee vowed to lodge complaints against him at multiple police stations if no action is taken. With tensions mounting for over 72 hours, the Sakal Maratha community has called for an urgent meeting to decide their next steps if Koratkar is not arrested promptly.