Pune: Former NDTV Journalist and Member of Parliament Imtiaz Jaleel has been named in a legal case registered at the Kondhwa Police Station, following allegations of inciting religious tensions.

The case stems from an incident involving the defacement of a signboard dedicated to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, located on the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar-Jalna Highway.

The defacement occurred during a 'Tiranga Rally' organized by Jaleel after the renaming of Aurangabad to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

The complaint was filed by Mahesh Bhoibar (28), and it accuses Jaleel of orchestrating the deliberate defacement of the signboard. It is alleged that Jaleel instructed participants of the rally to smear black paint over the name “Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar” on the highway sign, which was seen as an insult to the legacy of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.

In response to this incident, a large group of representatives from various Hindu organizations gathered at Kondhwa Police Station, demanding immediate action.

They claimed that the defamation of Sambhaji Maharaj during the rally was a calculated act to provoke religious tensions. The protest saw a significant turnout from local Hindu groups, all of whom demanded that Jaleel be held accountable for his actions.

Late on the night of October 1, Kondhwa police officially registered a case against Jaleel. Senior Police Inspector Vinay Patankar, speaking on the matter, stated that the investigation would proceed in response to public sentiment and based on the allegations presented by the protesters.

The defacement incident has sparked outrage, with many calling for stringent legal action. Hindu organizations across Pune have expressed their displeasure and are urging the authorities to thoroughly investigate the case.