As the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) intesifies protest against the Karan Johar’s upcoming movie ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ and following the arrest of 12 MNS workers for trying to force their way into the Mumbai’s Metro Cinema, Party leader Shalini Thackeray accepted that things had gone a little out of hand. The MNS leader claimed that the workers were ‘supposed to meet the management of the cinema halls, give them a memorandum and make them understand what the issue was.’
With the court set to hear the matter on Friday, most of the detained MNS protestors, ranging from a lobor contractor to a Gujarat tailor, have been identified with prior cases against them for blackening non-Marathi signboards and indulging in vandalism.
Arvind Gawade, 45, Commerce graduate
MNS vice president
Son of a former Shiv Sena corporator, Arvind Gawade, a PWD worker, is one of the founder members of MNS and operates a Krishi Dhan Vahini, where the party facilitates farm produce to be directly from the farmers. Gawade, who has been associated with Raj Thackeray since joining the Bharatiya Vidhyarthi Sena, has 17 prior cases against him, mostly related to vandalism.
Shekhar Gawhane, 35, Commerce graduate
MNS divisional head, Colaba
Recently being posted as the Vibhag Adhyaksh (divisional president), Shekhar Gawhane, is also one of the founder member of MNS. Gawhane, who runs a transport business in Chira Bazar, has previously being booked for involvement in various agitations, including the one demanding Marathi signboards.
Nishant Bala Gaikwad, 35, Commerce graduate
MNS dy divisional head, Colaba
Son of a retired assistant sub-inspector, Nishant Bala Gaikwad, who runs an export-import business has been associated with the MNS since 2006 and was the party’s youngest ward president. With three criminal cases against him, Gaikwad is also a member of the Maharashtra Navnirman Navik Sena, the party’s maritime wing.
Raju Patel, 45, Tailor
MNS dy ward president, Fort
Being associated with the MNS since 2006, Raju Patel, a Gujarati tailor, was jailed for four days for participating in the Marathi signboard protest at the office of former Mumbai sheriff Nana Chudasama last year.
Nilesh Jadhav, 36, Commerce graduate
MNS ward president, Mandvi
Nilesh Jadhav, who runs a salon in Chira Bazar near Metro Cinema in South Mumbai, runs one of the three Krishi Dhan Vahinis operated by MNS. With two criminal cases against him, Jadhav participated in various party protests and was also jailed for his role in vandalism of a south Mumbai store in 2008 over the Marathi signboard issue.
Divakar Padwal, 27, Commerce graduate
MNS ward president, Chira Bazar
Being a part of MNS since the start, Divakar Padwal, who runs an agri-product firm was the president of the student’s wing since last year, when he was appointed as the ward president. This was the first time he got arrested.
Sachin Gangawane, 35, Businessman
MNS ex-ward president
Being a part of MNS since 2008, Sachin Gangawane, who operates transport business and a Krishi Dhan Vahini, took part in various protests but lost the civic elections in 2012.
Srikant Goriwale, 28, Class XII
MNS ward vice president, Fort
A long time party member, Srikant Goriwale, employed with St George Hospital has two more prior cases against him and is been arrested for the second time.
Rajesh Kombekar, 36, Businessman
MNS ward president, Masjid Bunder
Member of MNS since 2006, Rajesh Kombekar, a real estate businessman, was arrested for the first time after the ADHM protest.
Other detained protestors Rohan Chalke, Pravin Pashte and Arun Barde are vice presidents of different wards across south Mumbai.
