Mumbai, Nov 30: In a recent development, Mumbai Police arrested former Mayor Datta Dalvi, a leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), on charges of using abusive language against Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The arrest came following a complaint filed by Shiv Sena activist Bhushan Palande.
Palande lodged a complaint at Bhandup Police Station, accusing Dalvi of making objectionable remarks against the Chief Minister, who holds a constitutional post. Dalvi’s arrest was promptly followed by his appearance before a magistrate court, which remanded him to 14 days of judicial custody. However, the court denied his bail plea.
After the court proceedings, Dalvi was taken to the hospital for medical examination and subsequently transferred to Thane Central Jail.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders, including MP Sanjay Raut and MLA Sunil Raut, criticized the government for what they termed an ‘illegal’ arrest of Dalvi. They alleged that the Mumbai Police acted under external pressure.
Dalvi, who served as the Mayor between 2005 and 2007, faces charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code for allegedly making derogatory references to the Chief Minister.
Sunil Raut, after visiting the Bhandup Police Station, announced that Shiv Sena (UBT) activists would stage roadblocks in the city on Thursday to protest Dalvi’s arrest. Raut emphasized that Dalvi, a senior citizen suffering from various ailments, was unfairly targeted.
Raut further pointed out the alleged inconsistency in police actions, noting that other ruling party leaders, like Minister Abdul Sattar or the Rane siblings, who use strong language against opposition leaders, are not subjected to similar treatment.
The controversy stems from a meeting of the party’s Konkan unit office-bearers on November 26, where Dalvi reportedly made objectionable statements against the Chief Minister, referencing one of Shinde’s recent election campaign speeches in Rajasthan. The situation has heightened political tensions, with the Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders vowing to voice their protest against what they perceive as an unjust arrest.
