Ashish Sable, a worker of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), was arrested on Wednesday by the Chaturshingi Police Station of Pune City Police in connection with the forcible removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's photograph from a government institution in Pune. The arrest is part of a widening police crackdown stemming from an FIR registered against Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena (MNVS) president Amit Thackeray and 20 to 25 other party functionaries and workers.

What Happened at Government Polytechnic College

The incident took place at the Government Polytechnic College in Ganeshkhind, Pune, when Amit Thackeray — son of MNS chief Raj Thackeray and head of the party's student wing — visited the campus to interact with students and inspect facilities including the hostel, mess, and sanitation infrastructure.

During the visit, students drew attention to a wall in the principal's office where Prime Minister Modi's photograph had been displayed alongside portraits of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Dr B R Ambedkar. Thackeray raised strong objections, asserting that Shivaji Maharaj and Dr Ambedkar are revered icons of Maharashtra and cannot be placed on the same footing as political leaders. MNS workers subsequently and allegedly took down the Prime Minister's photograph, reportedly despite resistance from college authorities.

FIR and Charges Filed

College principal Dr Rajendra Kashiram Patil lodged a formal complaint at the Chaturshingi Police Station, leading to an FIR against Amit Thackeray and 20–25 unidentified workers. The charges were filed under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) — including unlawful assembly, criminal trespass, obstructing a public servant, and criminal intimidation — as well as sections of the Maharashtra Police Act.

Investigators are currently examining CCTV footage and witness statements to identify all individuals involved. Multiple MNS workers, including Ashish Sable, have been apprehended so far as the manhunt continues.

Political Fallout Across Maharashtra

The episode has ignited a sharp political debate across the state. MNS leaders have defended the action, with party functionaries stating they consider it a matter of pride to uphold the honour of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Conversely, leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have condemned the move, reportedly labelling it a stunt driven by political immaturity.

This comes amid a broader pattern of political tensions in Maharashtra, where identity and iconography have repeatedly become flashpoints between parties competing for cultural legitimacy in the state.

Investigation Ongoing

Police have confirmed that further investigation is underway, with the CCTV review and additional witness statements expected to determine the full extent of participation in the incident. The case against Amit Thackeray — a high-profile figure given his family's political legacy — ensures the matter will remain under close public and judicial scrutiny in the days ahead.