Eknath Shinde appeals for calm amid tension in Kolhapur

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday appealed for calm and said nobody should take law into their hands.

In Kolhapur city in Western Maharashtra, police on Wednesday used force to disperse a crowd that objected to the alleged use of Tipu Sultan’s image and an `objectionable' audio message as social media “status” by some local persons.

"Anyone taking the law into their hands will not be spared. I am in touch with the local administration, and the necessary directives have been given. The welfare of the common man is our topmost priority," Shinde said.

People should cooperate with the administration to maintain peace, the chief minister added.

Earlier this week, police registered a case against four persons for allegedly carrying posters of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb during a procession in Ahmednagar district, a video of which had gone viral.

Meanwhile, asked about the rape and murder of a young woman at a hostel in Mumbai, Shinde said it was an unfortunate incident, and police were probing the case.

The culprit will be punished, he added.