Ex-Navy Officer Attacked for Cartoon Forward Meets Maharashtra Gov

Madan Sharma also said that, from this point on, he was with BJP-RSS.

Ex-Navy officer Madan Sharma met Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari on Tuesday, 15 September and demanded strict action against the six Shiv Sena workers who allegedly assaulted him for forwarding a cartoon mocking Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thakrey.

According to NDTV, Madan Sharma, on Tuesday, also said:

“From now on, I am with the BJP-RSS. When I was beaten up, they had levelled allegations that I’m with the BJP-RSS. So now I announce, that I am with the BJP-RSS.”   

Meanwhile, six Shiv Sena workers accused of the assault were on Tuesday remanded to judicial custody by Mumbai’s Borivali Court, reported ANI.

According to ANI, the six individuals, including local Shiv Sena leader Kamlesh Kadam, were re-arrested on Monday night, and produced before a court on Tuesday. They had previously been released on bail on Saturday.

Background

The attack took place late on Friday, 11 September, in Mumbai’s Kandivali East. An FIR was registered at Samta Nagar Police Station and six people were arrested. The six, however, including one Shiv Sena leader Kamlesh Kadam, were granted bail by the Samta Nagar police station on Saturday, reported news agency ANI.

Two days after the incident took place, Sharma had said, “I request Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray ji that if you cannot run the government, then you should resign. Let people elect a government that can maintain law and order in Maharashtra.”

On Sunday, Union Minister Ramdas Athwale went to Madan’s residence to meet him. Earlier, Madan’s daughter also reportedly staged a protest outside the office of the additional commissioner of police demanding that the accused be booked under non-bailable offences.

Speaking to ANI on the incident, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said, “Maharashtra is a big state. Something like this can happen to anyone. Do you know how many ex-servicemen have been attacked in UP? But, defence minister didn't call them. Our government believes that no innocent person should be attacked.”