Who is Prashant Koratkar? Wikipedia & Net Worth

Maharashtra Police on Monday arrested Nagpur-based journalist Prashant Koratkar from Telangana for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his son Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, two revered figures in Maratha history.

Details of the Case

Koratkar was booked on February 26 under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for promoting enmity between groups. The case stemmed from an audio conversation between Koratkar and Kolhapur-based historian Indrajeet Sawant, in which the journalist allegedly made objectionable comments about the Maratha rulers.

Sawant later shared the audio on social media, triggering widespread outrage and demands for Koratkar’s arrest.

Legal Proceedings

Initially, an Additional Sessions Court in Kolhapur granted Koratkar interim protection from arrest until March 1. However, the Kolhapur Police challenged the order in the Bombay High Court, seeking cancellation of his anticipatory bail.

On March 18, the Kolhapur Sessions Court rejected Koratkar’s anticipatory bail plea, clearing the way for his arrest.

Koratkar’s Defense

In his bail application, Koratkar claimed:

• His phone was hacked and the audio was doctored.
• He had already issued a public apology.
• Sawant had released the audio before filing an FIR, allegedly to incite communal tensions.

Political Reaction

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis dismissed allegations that police were shielding Koratkar (who is based in Nagpur, Fadnavis’ hometown).

“Police are looking for him, and action will be taken wherever he is,” Fadnavis stated on Saturday.