The Kolhapur court has permitted the police to question Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad in connection with a threat issued to publisher Prashant Ambi over the title of the late Govind Pansare’s book ‘Who was Shivaji?’. The police had earlier refused to register a case; the court’s order now paves the way for further action.

The Rajarampuri police station in Kolhapur is expected to issue a notice to Mr. Gaikwad, directing him to appear for questioning or submit his response in writing. The MLA has said he will cooperate with the police. Mr. Ambi, meanwhile, has claimed that he continues to receive threatening calls from supporters of Mr. Gaikwad and will file a fresh complaint.

The incident dates back to the book ‘Shivaji Kon Hota’ (Who was Shivaji?), written by Govind Pansare 37 years ago. Mr. Gaikwad objected to the use of the single word ‘Shivaji’ for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He called Mr. Ambi, abused him, and threatened to kill him if the book was printed. A clip of the conversation went viral. Mr. Ambi tried to protest outside Mr. Gaikwad’s house in Buldhana but was detained by the police.

In the phone conversation, Mr. Gaikwad said, “I will enter your house and kill you, crush you, cut out your tongue.” When Mr. Ambi explained that the book was written by Professor Pansare and published in 1988 without any intention to insult Shivaji Maharaj, Mr. Gaikwad continued the abuse.

After the court’s permission, Mr. Gaikwad expressed regret for the abusive language he used. He said that if the issue of insulting Shivaji arises in the future, he will maintain his stand. He added that he will urge the Chief Minister to ban the books ‘Dagalbaj Shivaji’ and ‘Shivaji: Who was Shivaji?’ in the upcoming assembly session.

Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Chandra Pawar) MLA Rohit Pawar targeted Mr. Gaikwad. Mr. Pawar questioned why the police administration, which acted promptly in the Vikas Lawande case, is delaying the Prashant Ambi case despite having evidence. He said the Kolhapur court has permitted the investigation of a people’s representative who insulted Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, supported the murder of Govind Pansare, abused Mr. Ambi, and insulted women. He also noted that the High Court has accepted a petition in the matter and the hearing will begin soon.

Lawyer Asim Sarode has demanded that a cognisable case be registered against Mr. Gaikwad. Mr. Sarode said a petition has been filed in the Kolhapur High Court on behalf of Mr. Ambi seeking the same. “Sanjay Gaikwad will now know that following the law means respecting Chhatrapati Shivaji R.