Raj Thackeray appears in court in toll plaza attack case

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS)chief Raj Thackeray on Saturday appeared before a court in neighbouring Navi Mumbai in a case related to vandalizing of a toll plaza in 2014 and was granted bail.

Thackeray is accused of delivering a provocative speech before MNS activists attacked a toll plaza in Vashiduring their protest against recovery of a toll on highways.

Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Vashi, had issued a warrant against Thackeray last month but his lawyers argued the matter and subsequently, it was cancelled, said MNS legal cell secretary Santosh Sawant.

However, the court directed him to remain present and accordingly, he appeared around 11 am on Saturday, Sawant said.

The court granted MNS chief bail on a bond of Rs15,000 as the charges against him are bailable, he said.

The court also allowed Thackeray's plea seeking permanent exemption from appearance, he said.

Thackeray is facing a case under IPC sections 153(giving provocation with intent to cause riot), 504(intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace)and other sections.