Upping its ante against the inclusion of controversial cartoonist Aseem Trivedi in reality show Bigg Boss, party-workers of the youth wing of the Republican Party of India (Athawale) pelted stones at the office of television channel Colors at Vile Parle (E), damaging the glass façade and a few vehicles.
“Around 10 unidentified persons came and started pelting stones on the glass which developed cracks. The attack was sudden and they absconded within a few minutes,” said an eyewitness who did not wish to be identified.
Nobody sustained injuries. The attack took place even as police personnel were posted in the office building as the RPI had earlier warned of an agitation.
RPI spokesperson Mayur Borkar, while claiming responsibility for the attack, said, “RPI youth wing Mumbai president Ramesh Gaikwad, along with 10 other party workers, pelted stones for our demand on the eviction of Trivedi from the Bigg Boss house. This is a preview of what could happen on Saturday if the channel fails to evict Trivedi by Friday.”
Earlier, RPI chief Ramdas Athawale had demanded the eviction of Mr Trivedi from the Bigg Boss house for having sketched cartoons allegedly denigrating the Constitution.
Hundreds of irate dalits had marched towards the Bigg Boss house in Lonavla last Thursday to register their protest.
Viacom18, owner of Colors channel on which Bigg Boss is aired, had also given a letter to Mr Athawale stating that the channel respects their opinion and empathises with the views and that they have no intention of hurting anyone’s feelings. Earlier, the RPI (A) had even claimed that they had got an assurance from Colors that Mr Trivedi will be evicted soon.