Four Workers of Shiv Sena (UBT) Arrested for Assaulting BMC Official; Case Registered

| 27 June 2023

Late on Monday, four workers belonging to the Shiv Sena (UBT) were arrested and a police case was registered against approximately 25 others, including prominent party member Anil Parab. The arrests and case follow an alleged assault on a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) official. The incident occurred after the official demolished an illegal office known as a shakha in the Nirmal Nagar area of Bandra East on Thursday, June 22.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Sada Parab, Haji Alim, Uday Dalvi, and Santosh Kadam, according to the Mumbai Police. Reports indicate that Shiv Sainiks, accompanied by Anil Parab, claimed the shakha's demolition involved the removal of a photograph of the late Balasaheb Thackeray. The Sena workers had allegedly requested the officials to allow them to remove the posters before demolishing the structure. However, tensions escalated, resulting in a violent altercation as Sena (UBT) workers entered the BMC ward office in Bandra East and assaulted the official. Anil Parab and other workers reportedly demanded that the official be handed over to them, subsequently subjecting him to physical assault.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut defended the assault, justifying the violent act against the BMC official by citing public sentiment. Raut stated, "It was the sentiment prevailing in people's minds that burst. They demolished a 40-year-old office of the Shiv Sena branch. We had tears in our eyes when they hammered the photo of Balasaheb Thackeray." He further remarked, "People were furious and so they raised their hands, alright, we'll go to jail."

In response to these events, the BMC offered their account of the incident. On Thursday, the civic body undertook the demolition of several alleged unauthorized structures near the Bandra railway station's eastern side. While the BMC maintained that they demolished a few shanties, an auto rickshaw union office, and two libraries, the Shiv Sena (UBT) claimed that their 40-year-old shakha was also razed during the operation. Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant expressed his disapproval, questioning the BMC's actions and the lack of proper notice provided before the shakha's demolition. However, a senior BMC officer denied the claim that a Sena shakha was among the structures demolished, while emphasizing the need to streamline vehicular movement in the area.

Shiv Sena office-bearers echoed the sentiment, stating that no prior notice had been served before the demolition drive took place. The clash between the Shiv Sena (UBT) workers and the BMC official reflects the deep-seated emotions and grievances associated with the razing of the shakha, which held significant historical and sentimental value for the party.

The legal repercussions of the assault on the BMC official and the subsequent case against Anil Parab and others are yet to unfold. The incident highlights the complex relationship between political parties, civic authorities, and the preservation of public sentiments. As investigations continue, the aftermath of this clash will undoubtedly have implications for the future dynamics between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the BMC.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on the provided details and statements from involved parties. Further developments in the case may lead to changes in the narrative.