Mumbai: Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad on October 5 accused the Devendra Fadnavis-led Maharashtra government of “throttling democracy” after tribal students from Nashik were allegedly detained by Mumbai Police from the Maharashtra Congress headquarters in Dadar.

The students had travelled to Mumbai to stage a protest at Azad Maidan, demanding better facilities at tribal schools and hostels, scholarships, improved food quality and student safety. They had reportedly been protesting in Nashik for more than 10 days before travelling to the city.

According to reports, some students arrived by bus while others walked to Mumbai on Sunday, October 4. With no accommodation, Congress workers provided them shelter at Tilak Bhavan. Congress leader Harshwardhan Sapkal alleged that police entered the office and used force to detain the students.

Gaikwad condemned the alleged police action and said the students’ right to protest was being suppressed. She demanded action against the police personnel involved and called for the students to be released with dignity and invited to dialogue.

She also demanded the release of NSUI Mumbai president Pradyum Yadav, who, according to her post, was detained after protesting against the alleged police action and later handed over to Thane Police. Gaikwad sought the suspension of officers involved and a public apology from Fadnavis.

She warned that if the students were not released and their demands addressed, Congress would join them in laying siege to the Chief Minister’s ‘Varsha’ bungalow and Mantralaya.

Sapkal also demanded the immediate release of the detained students, saying Congress would continue supporting their demands.