Former Journalist's Arrest Sparks Legal Drama

Prashant Koratkar, a former journalist, was arrested for allegedly making derogatory remarks against prominent historical figures, causing public outrage. He was booked for promoting hatred and enmity. Despite initial protection from arrest, Koratkar's plea was rejected, leading to his detention and an altercation with a lawyer at court.

Prashant Koratkar, a former journalist, was subjected to verbal abuse by a lawyer in Kolhapur court on Friday after his police remand was extended until March 30. The incident transpired following Koratkar's arrest for allegedly threatening historian Indrajeet Sawant and making offensive comments about revered figures Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Sambhaji Maharaj.

Upon being captured by the Maharashtra police earlier in Telangana, Koratkar was escorted out of the court complex amidst the lawyer's verbal tirade. Despite the heated exchange, no physical confrontation occurred, confirmed a Kolhapur police official.

Koratkar faces charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for fostering hatred among communities through a contentious phone conversation with Sawant, which was later shared on social media. After a Kolhapur judge initially protected Koratkar from arrest, the Bombay High Court ordered the matter to be revisited, ultimately resulting in the rejection of his anticipatory bail and subsequent arrest authorization.

(With inputs from agencies.)