Mumbai (PTI): Navi Mumbai police in Maharashtra have registered an FIR against BJP MLA Nitesh Rane for allegedly using the word 'Dalit' while speaking to a news channel, an official said on Monday.

A complaint against the Kankavli MLA was lodged by a lawyer last week.

The complainant came across a video of Nitesh Rane's interview with a regional news channel on YouTube in which he used the word 'Dalit', whose usage is prohibited by the Centre government on August 7, 2018, the FIR stated.

The case was registered under sections 153 A (Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence), 153 B (Imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration), and 295 A (Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) of the Indian Penal Code, the official said.

Police have also invoked provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities ) Act. The offence was registered on orders of the court, he said, adding that further investigation is underway.

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Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar shared heartfelt messages on X in celebration of the 69th Kannada Rajyotsava, highlighting the importance of Karnataka’s heritage, language, and culture.

CM Siddaramaiah emphasised that Kannada Rajyotsava is a day for committing to the preservation and growth of Karnataka’s identity, encompassing its people, language, culture, land, and water. He wished all Kannadigas a happy Kannada Rajyotsava, expressing the hope that love and care for Kannada would become a daily celebration. “Best wishes to all Kannadigas on Kannada Rajyotsava. ‘Sirigannadam Gelge, Sirigannadam Balge,’” he shared.

DCM DK Shivakumar celebrated digitally by taking a selfie with the ‘Kannada Filter’ on Instagram, encouraging others to join in. He nominated Speaker U.T. Khader to continue this digital campaign, marking it as a small step to spread Kannada’s glory worldwide. “May the lamp of Kannada shine forever, lighting the way for everyone,” he added.