NCP(SP) spokesperson Vikas Lawande arrested

Case related to referring to Saints and Kirtankars of the Warkari sect as intruders

Pune (Maharashtra) – After a case was registered against NCP’s Sharadchandra Pawar faction spokesperson Vikas Lawande at Wagholi Police Station, the Additional Sessions Court had earlier granted him interim anticipatory bail until 20 May. However, during further investigation by the Police, it emerged that Lawande had concealed information about four previously registered criminal cases against him in his anticipatory bail application. Government advocate Rajesh Kavedia strongly objected to this in court and demanded that Lawande’s protection be withdrawn. Accepting this argument, the Court cancelled his interim anticipatory bail. Following the Court’s decision, the Police immediately arrested Lawande.

1. Vikas Lawande had published a list of 20 individuals alleging infiltration into the Warkari sect. Saints and Kirtankars of the Warkari sect strongly objected to this and lodged complaints at various places. In this matter, many Kirtankars and various organisations staged protests across the State. The Rashtriya Warkari Sena had also submitted a memorandum demanding action against Lawande. Thereafter, cases were registered against Lawande at Wagholi and Pandharpur.

2. In the case registered at Wagholi, Vikas Lawande had been granted anticipatory bail. In this matter, the Court had also directed the investigating officer, the prosecution, and the Wagholi Police to present their stand before the Court. Subsequently, during the Police investigation, it was revealed that Lawande had concealed information regarding previously registered offences against him.