Mumbai: A statue of Meenatai Thackeray, wife of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, was defaced with red oil paint at Shivaji Park early Wednesday, triggering political outrage and swift police action. The accused, identified as Upendra Pawaskar, was arrested later in the evening after being traced through CCTV footage.

The vandalism was first noticed around 6.30 am by a passerby, who alerted local workers of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT). Party members promptly cleaned the site before informing the police. Authorities formed eight teams to investigate and began scanning surveillance footage from the area.

An FIR was filed under Section 298 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to defiling a place of worship with intent to insult religious sentiments.

The incident sparked emotional reactions across political lines. Both Uddhav Thackeray and his cousin Raj Thackeray visited the site separately. Uddhav condemned the act, stating, “Creating unrest in Maharashtra seems to be the motive. This could be done by someone who is shy to take the name of their parents,” and urged party workers to remain calm.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also denounced the defacement, saying, “Police will trace anti-social elements involved and take action. There is no need to give political colour to the incident.”

Deputy CM and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde assured strict action: “I have spoken to the police commissioner. Even the CM is looking into it.”

Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam called the act deeply emotional for Shiv Sainiks, while State Minister Shamburaj Desai added, “Maasaheb is a matter of faith for Shiv Sainiks.”

Sena (UBT) MP Anil Desai criticised the government’s handling, calling it a failure, while local MLA Mahesh Sawant suggested political motives behind the incident. He noted it occurred shortly after Sena (UBT)’s ‘sindoor’ protest against the India-Pakistan Asia Cup match on September 14.

PTI