A local Shiv Sena leader from the Eknath Shinde faction has been detained for allegedly assaulting a man during a parking dispute in Sagar Nagar, Thane, a political stronghold of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
The accused, Akash Bhalerao, who heads one of the party’s local units, reportedly pulled out a sword and attacked the victim following a heated argument over parking. A short video from the scene shows Bhalerao threatening the man before physically assaulting him, leaving the victim with a head injury.
Bhalerao’s associate, Suraj Hajare, was also involved in the assault. Both have been taken into custody and are currently being held at Wagle Estate Police Station for further investigation.
The incident has raised serious questions about the use of violence by political functionaries, especially in public spaces, and the need for stricter enforcement of law regardless of political affiliations.
Restaurant Owner Slapped
Earlier this month, a disturbing display of political aggression on Mumbai’s streets took place where a a restaurant owner in Mira Road was slapped multiple times by workers of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) for allegedly refusing to speak in Marathi. The incident, captured on video, has gone viral and sparked outrage across social media platforms.
