Sanjay Raut hits out at Devendra Fadnavis over Aarey Forest decision

The saffron alliance of Shiv Sena and BJP in Maharashtra and at the Centre are showing differing opinions on the Aarey row. The BJP has been supportive of the proposed metro shed in the Aarey Forest Area. On Friday, October 5, the Bombay High Court refused to acknowledge Aarey as a forest and dismissed all pleas by environmental activists campaigning against cutting of over 2,500 trees. Following the decision, senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut attacked Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

READ | Shiv Sena Priyanka Chaturvedi Detained By Mumbai Police Near Aarey

Sanjay Raut slams Fadnavis

Sanjay Raut tweeted a picture of cartoon which shows a blindfolded Lady of Justice with a cloth that reads "Aarey not a forest"

In the aftermath of the Bombay High Court's decision, large scale protests erupted on Friday, all around the city. In addition to that, senior Shiv Sena leaders and other protestors have been arrested by the Mumbai Police. Shiv Sena leader Priyanka Chaturvedi is among those detained by the police. 

READ | Aarey: Farhan, Shraddha, Dia Vent Anger Against Tree-cutting

Priyanka Chaturvedi detained by Mumbai Police

Chaturvedi tweeted and said that she was forcibly evicted by the Mumbai Police from the Aarey Forest area:

READ | Aarey: Section 144 Imposed After Protest Against Felling Of Trees

Aaditya Thackeray reacts to Aarey situation

Shiv Sena Scion and the party's candidate for upcoming assembly elections Aaditya Thackeray also spoke about the situation in a series of tweets and slammed the decision. Thackeray said that local Shiv Sena members tried thwarting the felling of trees 

READ | Protests In Aarey Against Tree-cutting; Activists Say 200 Trees Felled

Section 144 imposed at Aarey

Earlier on Saturday, Section 144 was imposed in the area from the entrance into Aarey to Marol Maroshi Road. Protests in Aarey colony broke out after the authorities from Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) started cutting trees in the area following Bombay High Court's dismissal of all petitions challenging the felling of trees. Of over 2,600 trees which are to be felled, 200 had been cut by Friday night, activists alleged. Videos of tree-felling went viral on social media. The protest was supported by members of Aam Aadmi Party as well as Shiv Sena leaders including scion Aaditya Thackeray, who criticised the move in a series of tweets.

READ | Aaditya Thackeray Slams Tree-felling In Aarey, Calls Move 'shameful'