Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane has been sentenced to one month in jail by a court in Sindhudurg in connection with a 2019 incident in which an engineer of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) was assaulted by being covered in mud during a protest.

The court held Rane guilty of insulting and humiliating a public servant during an inspection of the Mumbai-Goa highway, where he had raised concerns over poor road conditions.

Court says lawmakers cannot take law into their own hands

While delivering the verdict, the court observed that elected representatives are expected to uphold the law and not engage in acts that undermine public officials. It noted that even if the intention was to highlight public grievances, such actions cannot be justified.

The judge also emphasised that such conduct could discourage public servants from performing their duties with dignity if left unchecked.

Sentence suspended, appeal likely

Soon after pronouncing the sentence, the court suspended the one-month imprisonment, allowing Rane time to challenge the conviction in a higher court.

In the same case, 29 other accused were acquitted due to lack of sufficient evidence.

Background of the case

The incident dates back to 2019 when Rane, then in the opposition, led a protest over the poor condition of the Mumbai-Goa highway. During the demonstration, an NHAI engineer was allegedly restrained and mud was poured on him in public.

The case had led to multiple charges, including assault on a public servant and criminal conspiracy, though the court did not find enough evidence to sustain most of these charges.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described the proposed India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a “landmark moment” in the relationship between the two countries, highlighting its potential to deepen economic engagement.

Speaking on the development, Mr Modi said the ongoing efforts towards a trade pact reflect growing trust, shared values and common ambitions between India and New Zealand. He noted that closer economic cooperation is expected to provide fresh momentum to bilateral ties.

The discussions around the agreement are aimed at strengthening trade and investment flows, while expanding collaboration across sectors such as agriculture, technology, education and innovation. According to the Prime Minister, enhanced engagement could create new opportunities for businesses, professionals and students.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also described the development as a significant step forward, stating that stronger trade ties could support economic growth and improve market access for exporters in both countries.

Officials indicated that the proposed framework is expected to facilitate smoother trade flows and encourage sectoral cooperation, while contributing to long-term economic partnership.

Mr Modi added that advancing trade relations with New Zealand aligns with India’s broader global economic strategy and could help unlock new opportunities, strengthening ties between the two nations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed strong confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will form the next government in West Bengal after the ongoing Assembly elections, stating that he plans to return for the oath-taking ceremony.

Addressing a rally during the final phase of campaigning, the Prime Minister said he would come back to the state after the declaration of results to attend the swearing-in of the BJP government.

Confidence ahead of results

The remarks came during his last campaign event, where he indicated optimism about the party’s electoral performance. The results of the West Bengal Assembly elections are scheduled to be announced on May 4.

He told the gathering that the enthusiasm and public support witnessed during his campaign tours had strengthened his belief that the BJP would secure a mandate in the state.

Campaign concludes amid high political stakes

The Prime Minister’s statement underscores the high-stakes political battle in West Bengal, where the BJP is aiming to challenge the ruling Trinamool Congress. The election has seen intense campaigning from all major parties, with voter turnout remaining high in earlier phases.

The West Bengal Assembly elections are being held in multiple phases, with counting set to determine the next government in the state.