Nagpur Journalist Arrested: Controversy Over Remarks on Maratha Rulers

Journalist Prashant Koratkar was arrested by Maharashtra police for making derogatory remarks about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his son Chhatrapati Sambhaji. The arrest follows a controversial audio conversation. Despite legal protection till March 1, an anticipatory bail plea was rejected, amid accusations of inciting communal tensions.

The Maharashtra police arrested Nagpur journalist Prashant Koratkar for allegedly making derogatory remarks about the revered 17th-century Maratha ruler, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and his son, Chhatrapati Sambhaji.

Koratkar's comments emerged from an audio conversation with historian Indrajeet Sawant, sparking widespread outrage. This led to calls for his arrest. Despite a granted protection order from arrest until March 1, Kolhapur police moved to challenge the interim protection in the Bombay High Court.

The court ultimately rejected Koratkar's plea for anticipatory bail, amidst his claims of a compromised phone and doctored audio. The issue intensified political attention, with Maharashtra's Chief Minister emphasizing that police actions were impartial and focused on apprehending Koratkar.

(With inputs from agencies.)