Pune, August 16, 2023: In a recent development, the local court in Pune issued an order for the release of the Sambhaji Brigade leader from Pimpri Chinchwad who had been apprehended for making threats to disrupt the flag hoisting ceremony by politicians and the governor of Maharashtra. The leader’s demands included taking action against Hindutva leader Sambhaji Bhide for his offensive remarks about Mahatma Gandhi.
Satish Kale, the president of the Sambhaji Brigade’s Pimpri Chinchwad unit, was taken into custody by the police after he shared a video on a social media platform, expressing his intent to prevent the flag hoisting event during the Independence Day celebrations. Following the video’s circulation, Kale was arrested during the night of August 14 and 15. He was subsequently presented before the court, with the police seeking his judicial custody for a span of 15 days.
However, the court dismissed the police’s request for custody and ordered Kale’s release, with the stipulation that he provide an undertaking not to use his Instagram account for the next 10 days. The court’s decision cited that the flag hoisting event had already concluded, deeming the detention of Kale based on mere possibilities as unjust.
The Wakad police of Pimpri Chinchwad had argued for Kale’s remand, highlighting the ongoing ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations scheduled between August 9 and August 30 as directed by the government. Government officials and ministers were expected to participate in various programs during this period. However, the court rejected the remand request, emphasizing that holding Kale in custody based on presumptions was not justified.
