Govt lacks political will to arrest Bhide: Prakash Ambedkar

Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh president Prakash Ambedkar today said the BJP-led Maharashtra government lacks the political will to arrest pro-Hindutva leader Sambhaji Bhide, accused of instigating violence at Bhima-Koregaon near Pune on January 1.

"Before any action could be initiated against Bhide, a photo of him with Prime Minister Narendra Modi was circulated on social media. It was a message to the authorities not to take any action against him. The riot was orchestrated by Bhide and Milind Ekbote, But only Ekbote was arrested," Ambedkar said.

"If the charge sheet (filed by Pune police) mentions names of both Bhide and Ekbote, how come only Ekbote is arrested? When I announced that I will organise a protest rally on March 26 over the home department's failure to take action, I learnt that police are going to meet Bhide in Sangli for inquiry.

"Normally it is police who call a suspect to the police station for inquiry," the former MP said.

Talking about his meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over the issue, Ambedkar said, "Fadnavis told me that if there is enough evidence against him, he (Bhide) will be arrested. I think the state has enough evidence against Bhide, but no arrest is being made."