A Pune court has issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against Manoj Jarange, a prominent Maratha quota activist, in connection with a 2013 cheating case. The warrant was issued after Jarange failed to appear in court for a scheduled hearing. Jarange, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike since July 20 in his village in Jalna district to press for Maratha reservation demands, missed the court appearance due to his ongoing protest.
Jarange had previously appeared before the court on May 31, following the issuance of an NBW against him. However, his recent absence led to the court’s decision to issue a new warrant. His lawyer, Harshad Nimbalkar, stated that despite the current situation, they plan to have Jarange appear in court and seek the cancellation of the NBW.
The case dates back to 2013 and involves allegations under Indian Penal Code sections 420 (cheating) and 406 (criminal breach of trust). Jarange and two co-accused were accused of approaching a complainant in 2012, who stages plays on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, to arrange six shows of “Shambhuraje” in Jalna district. They offered the complainant Rs 30 lakh for the shows, of which Rs 16 lakh was paid. A dispute over the remaining amount led to the complainant filing a complaint, prompting the court to order a police investigation.
Although Jarange secured anticipatory bail in 2013, the case saw renewed attention when the police filed a chargesheet, and the court took cognizance in January 2024. Two summonses were issued to Jarange, leading to the current warrant due to his failure to respond. The ongoing hunger strike has further complicated his legal situation, with his legal team working to resolve the issue and address the court’s demands.