Thackeray’s ‘deadline’ ends, heavy security in Maharashtra; loudspeakers kept off in mosques fearing potential violence

MUMBAI: The loudspeakers in numerous mosques in and around the city of Mumbai were kept off on Wednesday, following a threat by Raj Thackeray, the chief of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Earlier, Thackeray had threatened to play Hanuman Chalisa at a higher volume, if loudspeakers were used in mosques after May 3. The state is on high alert as the deadline came to an end on Tuesday. The Mumbai police have also issued a notice to the MNS chief under Section 149 of CrPC, invoked to prevent a cognizable offence. That is, Thackeray should appear before the police, whenever summoned.

Ahead of the deadline, Thackeray took to Twitter on Tuesday and demanded the same once again. He has also asked his followers to lodge police complaints if loudspeakers are still used in mosques.

In the wake of the threat, loudspeakers were kept off in several mosques in Kalyan and Panvel. We will keep loudspeakers off during the morning prayers as per the Supreme Court order, said the mosques’ trustees, in conversation with the police. Meantime, the Maharashtra government has made extensive preparations to maintain law and order in the state. As part of this, leaves of police personnel have been cancelled. The security in front of Thackeray’s house has also been strengthened. The Aurangabad police have registered a case against Thackeray for his provocative speech, two days ago. The Thane police have also issued notices against around 1,400 activists, under Section 144.