Slapgate row: Case registered against Shiv Sena MLA for slapping canteen worker; 2 days after viral video | India News
NEW DELHI: Mumbai police on Friday registered a non-cognisable offence case against Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad for slapping a hostel canteen worker, reported news agency PTI.Gaikwad courted controversy on Wednesday after he allegedly thrashed a staffer and manhandled another at the Akashwani MLAs’ hostel canteen in Mumbai’s Colaba. The incident sparked strong condemnation not just from the opposition but also from chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and his deputy Eknath Shinde.Following the outburst, which Gaikwad justified by alleging the canteen served stale food, the state’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) swiftly suspended the license of the contractor running the Akashwani MLA hostel canteen.FDA officials said food samples were collected from the canteen and the licence will remain suspended until the lab report determines the quality of the food. “Samples of 16 food items were collected,” an official confirmed. This included the dal Gaikwad claimed was spoiled.The FDA is expected to submit its report within two weeks. Officials clarified that the action was taken suo motu, independent of political pressure. A source close to FDA minister Narhari Zirwal said, “Samples have been sent to the department’s lab in Bandra for analysis.”FDA records show the last inspection of the canteen was conducted in February.Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad sparked further controversy by targeting the Shetty community, claiming they are “ruining the culture of Maharashtra.” Speaking to news agency PTI, Gaikwad accused members of the Shetty community of establishing questionable businesses in Mumbai, particularly dance bars, which he claims have deteriorated the city’s environment. “To those accusing me, I ask why they do not speak against the Shetty people who came to Maharashtra and ruined the culture. I am not naming the South, but those in business, dance bars, ladies’ bars, hotels, and other bars, have spoiled the environment,” Gaikwad said.
