Mumbai, April 20: Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Monday categorically said there is no communal angle in the Palghar mob lynching case, adding that swift action was taken soon after the crime was reported. Addressing the people of Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray explained under what circumstances the mob lynching took place in Palghar's Gandchinchle village and added that no guilty will be spared. Palghar Mob Lynching: Amit Shah Speaks to Uddhav Thackeray, Seeks Report From Maharashtra Government.

"Those who think this incident (mob lynching) happened between two religions, I would urge them to visit Gandchinchle village after the lockdown is over. Go there and see who is living," Thackeray said. He said two sadhus (Swami Kalpvriksha Giri and Swami Sushil Giri) and their driver (Neelesh Telgade) were attacked and killed on Thursday night after rumours spread that they were robbers.

"There is no communal angle in it. There is nothing that two religious groups are involved," Thackeray asserted. "We have suspended two policemen and appointed ADG CID Crime Atulchandra Kulkarni to investigate the matter. Over 100 persons have been arrested including five main accused. They are in jail," he added. The Chief Minister assured all involved in the heinous crimes will be punished.

Uddhav Thackeray's Address to People in Maharashtra:

Thackeray also said he has spoken to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and urged him to find and arrest those fanning communal tensions through social media. The lynching took place on April 17. According to some reports, the mob lynched the sadhus and their driver after rumours surfaced that they were kidnapping children to harvest organs. At least two police vans were damaged, and some policemen were injured in the mob attack.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 20, 2020 02:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).