Raj Thackeray Appears In Thane Court '2008 Rioting Case'

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray on Thursday appeared in a court in Thane district in connection with a 2008 rioting case and pleaded not guilty, his lawyer said. 

A large number of supporters gathered outside as the MNS president appeared before Chief Judicial Magistrate A V Kulkarni. 

The court has framed charges against him and several of his party workers over an episode of rioting, assault on candidates,



and attacks on police personnel on October 19, 2008.

When asked by the magistrate whether he accepted the charges, Thackeray replied in the negative. The court then posted the matter for the next hearing on December 16, said his lawyer Rajendra Shirodkar. 

The MNS chief would attend court proceedings whenever so directed, he said. The court premises witnessed heavy crowds and police bandobast as Thackeray arrived for the hearing.