The political atmosphere in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar has turned tense yet again after a case under the Atrocities Act was registered against former MP and AIMIM leader Imtiyaz Jaleel. The complaint, filed by Laxman Hivarale (46), a resident of Kranti Nagar, alleges that Jaleel made controversial and derogatory remarks about a particular community during a press conference.
The case was registered late Thursday night at the Kranti Chowk Police Station, following statements Jaleel allegedly made while accusing Guardian Minister Sanjay Shirsat of irregularities related to land allotments in an industrial estate.
Jaleel had called a press conference earlier this week where he presented what he claimed were government documents, accusing Minister Sanjay Shirsat of misusing his position for land-related malpractices. However, during this same interaction, Jaleel is accused of making objectionable remarks that allegedly targeted a specific community — leading to the registration of the case under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Responding to the FIR, Jaleel dismissed the accusations and alleged political conspiracy.
“The words I used are directly from official government documents,” Jaleel stated.“This case has been filed against me only on the advice of a minister who is clearly misusing his influence.”
Jaleel further claimed that the police department was under political pressure, stating:
“A cabinet minister enjoys the backing of the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister. It’s obvious that the police are being forced to act.”
Imtiyaz Jaleel announced that he will challenge the FIR in the High Court and also bring the matter to the attention of the Police Commissioner and Chief Minister via social media.
He added that a symbolic protest in the form of a condolence and tribute meeting will be held to highlight what he termed as the "death of justice and unbiased policing."
“From today, I will launch a social media campaign titled ‘Rest in Peace’, referring to the state of the police force,” Jaleel said.“The police in this city are no longer neutral. They are working under pressure from political criminals.”
This latest controversy is expected to intensify the political rivalry in the region and may have wider implications as opposition parties begin to rally behind Jaleel, framing the issue as suppression of dissent.
The state government and law enforcement officials are yet to issue a formal response.