A massive protest, organized by former MP Imtiaz Jaleel of AIMIM and backed by various political and social groups, saw over 12,000 members of the Muslim community rallying to demand action against BJP MLA Nitesh Rane and preacher Ramgiri Maharaj. The protestors accused both individuals of delivering hate speeches that incited communal tensions. The Tiranga Samvidhan Rally, as it was called, started from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and involved hundreds of vehicles traveling via the Samruddhi Expressway toward Mumbai.Rally stopped at Mulund check nakaDespite the massive turnout, the rally was halted late Monday night at the Mulund Check Naka, a key entry point to Mumbai. After submitting their demands to the divisional collector and other officials, the protestors peacefully dispersed without entering the city. According to a report from the Times of India, the rally marked the first time a protest had jammed the Samruddhi Expressway, causing significant traffic disruption.Heavy police deployment ensures peaceful dispersalTo maintain law and order, more than 3,000 police officers were deployed throughout the city. Traffic diversions were in place, and the authorities ensured that the protest remained peaceful. Close to 2,000 vehicles, including private buses and mini-trucks, were part of the convoy, with activists from Dalit and Maratha communities joining the demonstration.Imtiaz Jaleel condemns government inactionAt the rally, Imtiaz Jaleel expressed concern over the rising religious and caste-based divisions in Maharashtra. He criticized the lack of police action against Nitesh Rane for his inflammatory speeches and emphasized the need for stricter laws against hate speech. Jaleel also attacked the Maharashtra government, calling for accountability from Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis.
