Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 17: Tension broke out in the Chhatrapati Shivaji Park area of Dadar on Wednesday morning after unknown individuals hurled red paint on the statue of Meenatai Thackeray, wife of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray and mother of Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray.

The incident led to a swift response from both Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers, who gathered at the site and condemned the act. Shiv Sainiks cleaned the statue and demanded strict action against those responsible. MNS chief Raj Thackeray, who resides nearby, also visited the site and instructed police officers to check CCTV footage and identify the culprits within 24 hours.

Uddhav Thackeray, after garlanding the statue, called the act "highly condemnable" and alleged that it may be an attempt to provoke unrest in Maharashtra, drawing parallels to similar incidents in the past. He suggested that the person behind the act might be trying to create division and disturbance in the state. Thackeray appealed to party workers to maintain peace while the police investigate.

According to police sources, the incident occurred around 10 a.m. when red paint was discovered splattered on the statue and surrounding area. Shiv Sena (UBT) members reacted strongly and demanded immediate action.

Maharashtra Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe condemned the act and described the culprit as having a "perverse and irrational mindset."

She confirmed that Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti has formed three investigation teams and registered a case to track down those responsible.

BJP legislator Pravin Darekar also denounced the incident, stating that the police would identify and take action against the offenders.