Raj asked why gag should not be extended

Mumbai, Mar 8 (UNI) The city police has asked Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray to file a detailed reply as to why the ''gag'' imposed on him should not be extended.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operation) A Dhumare issued the notice last evening and Raj Thackeray has been asked to file a reply by Monday.

Senior counsel Ashok Mundargi had, on March 5, submitted a written reply to the police on behalf of Mr Thackeray with regard to an earlier showcause notice.

Mr Mundargi had contended that there was no ''emergency-like situation'' that necessitated the extension of the gag imposed on Raj Thackeray. The showcause notice was issued last Monday.

On February 3, Raj Thackeray had allegedly made some provocative remarks against North Indians, ahead of a rally organised by Samajwadi Party at Shivaji Park here. The remarks had sparked off violence in the metropolis and parts of the state.

Following this, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operation) had imposed the gag effective from February 11. The gag was in force till the midnight of February 25 but was again extended till March 3.

UNI ST MAZ VKG KK RN1539