Protests after MNS leader’s bail plea rejected

MNSMaharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) candidate Ram Kadam, arrested for obstructing police during Assembly polls, will have to cool his heels in Thane jail for a day.

Kadam has also been charged with rioting on polling day.

The Vikhroli metropolitan magistrate rejected his bail following demonstrations by his supporters outside the court while his case was being heard on Wednesday.

“The magistrate said there would be a law and order problem if Kadam was granted bail. We are moving the sessions court on Thursday and would challenge this order,” said Kadam’s lawyer.

Kadam, along with an MNS party worker Nitin Patil and nine party supporters, was arrested on Wednesday after he and his supporters allegedly storming a polling booth in Ghatkopar, alleging faulty polling procedure. They then argued with a police officer and the polling officer, obstructing polling.

Inspector Uttam Kolekar said: “We arrested Kadam and Patil from Kadam’s residence. We also arrested 10 MNS supporters for protesting outside the police station.”

Kadam and Patil have been remanded in judicial custody till October 26.

Shirish Parkar, MNS spokesperson described the whole incident as unfortunate. “The police acted in an irresponsible manner and beat up the MNS cadres which provoked Kadam.”