Maha: Security beefed up after mob attack on BJP’s Navneet Rana

Amravati (Maharashtra), November 17 (IANS): After former BJP MP Navneet Rana was attacked by a mob during a rally, tight security has been put in place in Amravati. Police have launched an investigation into the incident, a senior official confirmed on Sunday.

Giving details, CDPO Rahul Gaikwad (Hallar) said, “On Saturday evening, some persons disrupted the meeting of Ramesh Bandile and targeted former MP Navneet Rana. Late in the evening, a case was registered on her complaint. The investigation and strict police measures are ongoing. done in the village to prevent further disturbances.’

He also called on citizens to remain calm and prevent escalation of tensions.

The incident, which took place on Friday evening, involved throwing chairs and shouting threatening slogans at a Rana rally in Hallar village. After the attack, Rana filed a police report. The authorities urged the public not to believe rumours.

The video shows Rana surrounded by supporters as a group of people throw chairs at her. In one clip, she is seen approaching the crowd, apparently asking them to leave, but the situation worsens. Her bodyguards stepped in to protect her from the attack.

After the incident, Rana visited the local police station and demanded action from those involved. The police opened criminal proceedings against unidentified persons and brought in additional forces to ensure law and order.

Addressing the media, Rana said, “We were conducting a peaceful agitation in Hallar when some people started making inappropriate gestures and shouting during my speech. I ignored them, but then they started chanting “Allahu Akbar”. When my supporters asked them to stop using insults against me, they started throwing chairs.”

“Their anger seemed to be directed at me. They were throwing chairs and using obscene language. Some of my fellow party members were injured, as you can see in the video. I was rescued by six security personnel. One of them was even spat on instead of me. We have a police officer. complaint and if arrests are not made soon, the Amravati Hindu community will gather here,” she told reporters.

Inspector Kiran Wankhade of the Rural Crime Branch in Amravati confirmed that Rana was in Hallar to campaign for BJP candidate Ramesh Bandile ahead of the November 20 state elections.

“During the rally, a dispute arose between two groups. We have registered a case based on Navneet Rana’s complaint. The situation is under control, a police checkpoint has been set up in the village. We ask citizens not to believe any rumours. Further investigation is underway,” he said.

Former actress Navneet Rana was an independent MP from Amravati from 2019 to 2024. She joined the BJP earlier this year but lost in the general elections. Rana, who is married to Ravi Rana, MP from Badnera, was earlier associated with Sharad Pawar’s NCP.