Mumbai Police Question Jarange Over Conflicting Protest Plans

Mumbai Police have issued a notice to Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange, asking him to explain what officials describe as contradictions in his statements about a proposed demonstration in the state capital.

The notice, dated September 15, follows repeated refusals by the police to grant him permission to hold a protest at Azad Maidan in South Mumbai.

According to officials, Mr. Jarange had initially written to the authorities stating that he would stage the protest alone, with only about 50 people accompanying him. However, they said a large crowd of supporters was seen travelling with him when he set out for Mumbai from Jalna district on Tuesday.

In the notice, the police have asked for detailed information about the planned demonstration, including a list of volunteers, the total number of participants and particulars of the vehicles to be used. Officials said his formal undertaking and his public statements do not match.

While assuring the authorities that he would protest by himself, Mr. Jarange is reported to have urged the Maratha community through the media to keep their bags packed and be ready to move to Mumbai when he gives the call to defend the quota.

On Wednesday evening, Mr. Jarange said he would remain at Patoda in Beed district for medical treatment and resume his journey to Mumbai on Thursday afternoon to launch an agitation. He said that if anyone tried to stop him along the way, members of the Maratha community should set out for the capital.

His hunger strike over reservation demands has now entered its 19th day. He reached Patoda in the early hours of Wednesday and halted there after doctors advised immediate treatment for severe dehydration and other health complications.