Maharashtra Police on Monday arrested Nagpur journalist Prashant Koretkar from Telangana. He faces allegations of making offensive remarks about 17th-century Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his son Chhatrapati Sambhaji.
According to the police, the case is linked to an audio conversation where Koretkar allegedly threatened Kolhapur historian Indrajit Sawant and made provocative statements. Based on this conversation, Sawant lodged a complaint with the police, leading to the case being filed.
Accusations of Phone Hacking
Prashant Koretkar has denied the allegations, claiming his phone was hacked, and the audio manipulated. He also stated he had publicly apologized and approached the Bombay High Court for anticipatory bail, which the court refused to grant.
Historian Indrajit Sawant shared a video about the matter on social media. Koretkar argues that Sawant released the video even before filing an FIR, a move that could have strained societal tensions.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that Koretkar is not receiving police protection. He clarified that the police were actively searching for Koretkar and arrested him as soon as they located him.
The police have taken Koretkar into custody from Telangana and are transporting him to Maharashtra. Legal proceedings against him continue.
