Mon Mar 24 12:43:58 UTC 2025: ## Nagpur Journalist Arrested in Telangana for Derogatory Remarks About Shivaji Maharaj
**Kolhapur, Maharashtra –** Nagpur-based journalist Prashant Koratkar was arrested in Telangana on Monday and is being transported to Maharashtra for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his son, Chhatrapati Sambhaji. The arrest follows a case filed against Koratkar on February 26th under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for promoting enmity between groups.
The charges stem from an audio conversation between Koratkar and Kolhapur-based historian Indrajeet Sawant, which Sawant subsequently posted online. The conversation sparked widespread outrage and demands for Koratkar’s arrest. While Koratkar was granted interim protection from arrest until March 1st, this was overturned by the Bombay High Court following an appeal by Kolhapur police. His subsequent anticipatory bail plea was also rejected on March 18th.
Koratkar, in his defense, claimed his phone was compromised, the audio was doctored, and he had issued a public apology. He also alleged that Sawant’s actions were intended to incite communal tensions. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed concerns that police were shielding Koratkar, stating that police were actively searching for him and would take action regardless of his location. Koratkar is currently en route to Kolhapur, where further legal proceedings will commence.
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