Mumbai. The Maharashtra Police have registered two FIRs against BJP MLA Nitesh Rane for allegedly making inflammatory remarks against a community at two separate events in Ahmednagar. The incidents, which occurred on Sunday, have sparked controversy and drawn widespread criticism. Rakesh Ola, Superintendent of Police, Ahmednagar, confirmed that the FIRs were registered at the Shrirampur and Topkhana police stations—one on Sunday and the other on Monday. The complaints stem from speeches Rane delivered at the Sakal Hindi Samaj Andolan, an event organized in support of religious guru Ramgiri Maharaj. A video of Rane’s speech from the event has been widely circulated on social media.
In the video, the Kankavli MLA is heard using offensive language and making threats against anyone who speaks against Maharaj, stating that they would be beaten up. Ramgiri Maharaj himself has faced multiple FIRs for allegedly making communal remarks, further fueling the controversy. The video of Rane’s speech caught the attention of Waris Pathan, national spokesperson for the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM). Pathan shared the video on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), calling on Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to take immediate action.
“In Maharashtra’s Ahmednagar, BJP MLA Nitish Rane is openly threatening the police administration that he will enter the mosque and kill Muslims one by one. He is spreading hatred against Muslims in his entire speech. This is inflammatory speech, hate speech. BJP is trying to create communal violence in Maharashtra before the elections. @CMOMaharashtra @DGPMaharashtra. Take cognizance of this entire speech and immediately file an FIR and take him into custody!” Pathan wrote in his post.
The incident has sparked a debate about the rise of communal tensions in the state, particularly in the run-up to upcoming elections. Authorities are now investigating the matter, with Rane potentially facing serious legal consequences if found guilty of inciting hatred.
