Mumbai, January 7: An FIR (First Information Report) was filed against Mehak Mirza Prabhu, the girl who was seen with "Free Kashmir" placard on Monday during the Gateway of India protest against JNU violence that took place on Sunday. A political storm broke out after the placard was noticed at the protest spot in Mumbai. The FIR was filed by Mumbai Police against Prabhu, who had identified herself as a story-teller and performer in a Facebook video released earlier on Tuesday. 'Free Kashmir' Poster: Mumbai Girl Who Held Placard During Gateway of India Protest Against JNU Violence Issues Clarification, Says Issue 'Blown Out of Proportion'; Watch Video.

The Mumbai Police said that they have started to collect evidence, including CCTV footage from the Gateway of India. They also said that they are talking to the police personnel who were present at the protest site on Monday evening at the Gateway of India.

Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis spent no time in cornering the Maha Vikas Aghadi over the issue and launched a scathing attack on CM Uddhav Thackeray after the poster was seen at the protest and tweeted, "Protest is for what exactly? Why slogans of "Free Kashmir"? How can we tolerate such separatist elements in Mumbai? 'Free Kashmir' slogans by Azadi gang at 2km from CMO? Uddhav ji are you going to tolerate this Free Kashmir Anti India campaign right under your nose???" Mumbai: Students Hold Midnight Protest Against Violence in Delhi's JNU.

Mehak Mirza Prabhu said in her defense that she quietly stood in a corner with the poster and even had flowers in her hand. The writer made it clear that allegations leveled on her about doing what she did because she belongs to a political party or any "gangs" are not true. She said that she only wanted to turn the attention of the people to the alleged denial of basic rights to the people of Kashmir like "internet connectivity" and other issues.

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut was also asked about the poster on Tuesday. Raut defended the poster but said that anybody who demands separation of Kashmir from India won't be tolerated. He however also said that the 'Free Kashmir' placard was not about getting freedom from India. Minister in the cabinet and son of CM Uddhav Thackeray, Aaditya Thackeray also said that it is important to see "intent" in such cases and not take things at face value.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 07, 2020 08:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).