Uddhav Thackeray demands withdrawal of cases against Badlapur protesters

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday demanded the withdrawal of cases against those who had protested in Badlapur against the alleged sexual abuse of two kindergarten girls, warning that the opposition would have to hit the streets if it is not done.

Addressing a news conference, Mr Thackeray said the August 24 'Maharashtra Bandh' called by the opposition bloc Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is not political but against "perversion" and urged people cutting across caste and religion to participate in it.

He claimed the bandh would be observed on behalf of the people of the state.

Slamming the Eknath Shinde government's action over the Badlapur protest, Mr Thackeray said, "Arrests are still taking place in Badlapur. The cases against the protesters must be withdrawn or else we have to hit the streets."