Author Vishwas Patil Files Complaint Against Prosecutor Over Sambhaji Novel Remarks
Author and retired IAS officer Vishwas Patil has filed a formal complaint with the Koregaon Bhima Commission of Inquiry against Special Public Prosecutor Shishir Hiray. The dispute centers on Hiray's alleged misleading media statements regarding Patil's novel, 'Sambhaji,' which depicts the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Patil accuses Hiray of spreading false information and circulating private cross-examination photographs, labeling his comments as 'poisonous' and socially divisive. The controversy stems from historical interpretations in the novel concerning the cremation rites of Sambhaji Maharaj, specifically involving a character named Govind Mahar. While Patil claims these were fictional elements based on limited historical records, critics argue the book lacks contemporary evidence for such claims. Hiray defended his actions, stating he only presented facts and noting that similar media exposure occurred for other witnesses. The Commission, currently investigating the causes of the violent clashes in Koregaon Bhima on January 1, 2018, has received Patil's complaint along with transcripts of Hiray's TV interviews as evidence. The complaint awaits review by the Commission's chairman and member.
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Author Vishwas Patil Files Complaint Against Prosecutor Over Sambhaji Novel Remarks
Author and retired IAS officer Vishwas Patil has filed a formal complaint with the Koregaon Bhima Commission of Inquiry against Special Public Prosecutor Shishir Hiray. The dispute centers on Hiray's alleged misleading media statements regarding Patil's novel, 'Sambhaji,' which depicts the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Patil accuses Hiray of spreading false information and circulating private cross-examination photographs, labeling his comments as 'poisonous' and socially divisive. The controversy stems from historical interpretations in the novel concerning the cremation rites of Sambhaji Maharaj, specifically involving a character named Govind Mahar. While Patil claims these were fictional elements based on limited historical records, critics argue the book lacks contemporary evidence for such claims. Hiray defended his actions, stating he only presented facts and noting that similar media exposure occurred for other witnesses. The Commission, currently investigating the causes of the violent clashes in Koregaon Bhima on January 1, 2018, has received Patil's complaint along with transcripts of Hiray's TV interviews as evidence. The complaint awaits review by the Commission's chairman and member.
The Indian Express