A scheduled press conference against Maratha quota activisit Manoj Jarange by activist Ajay Maharaj Baraskar, took an unexpected twist on Friday. The press conference was initially set to be held on Friday but it was abruptly cancelled, leading to heightened security measures at a hotel near Churchgate station, where Ajay Maharaj Baraskar was staying, the police said.

According to the police, at around 6:45 pm, a group of 5-6 people arrived at hotel where Baraskar was staying and the police immediately rushed to the spot as security measure which resulted in apprehension of two individuals who were later identified as Ganesh Bhajandas Dhokle Patil (53), a government contractor from Murud, Latur district in Maharashtra and Sandeep Eknath Tanpure (36), a centrums material supplier from Rajgurunagar Khed in Pune. 

The police said that investigations revealed that both individuals are currently residing in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, and arrived at the hotel by taxi at around 5 pm.

“Their detailed interrogation is underway to uncover the motives behind their visit. The police are exploring the backgrounds and affiliations of the detained individuals to ascertain the full scope of the incident,” an official said.

Meanwhile, a day after Manoj Jarange declared his intent to intensify the agitation for a quota for Marathas from the other backward class (OBC) quota instead of an independent share of 10 per cent that was given through a new law on Tuesday, the protest started showing cracks. Ajay Maharaj Baraskar, accused Jarange of misleading the Marathas by lying and becoming a pawn in the hands of the powerful.

While Jarange went after the government, Baraskar said he had decided to `expose` the activist for misleading Marathas, who have the largest numerical strength in the state. “Jarange is a liar of the highest order. He is not transparent in his conduct. He changes tack in no time. He is spreading social hatred…” Baraskar had told a media conference in Mumbai on Wednesday.

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