Mumbai: Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad has been booked after a video of him slapping a hostel canteen worker in Mumbai went viral on social media. The incident occurred on Wednesday at the Akashwani MLAs’ hostel in Colaba. Mumbai Police registered a non-cognisable offence against Gaikwad on Friday, two days after the video surfaced.
The act has drawn sharp criticism from political leaders across party lines. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde have both condemned the MLA’s behaviour.
Sanjay Gaikwad has “no regrets” about slapping staff
Gaikwad defended his actions, claiming the canteen was serving stale food. In response, the state’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suspended the license of the canteen contractor. FDA officials collected samples of 16 food items, including the dal Gaikwad claimed was spoiled. These have been sent to the department’s lab in Bandra, and a report is expected within two weeks.
Officials stated that the inspection and action were taken independently and not due to any political interference. Records show the last inspection of the canteen was done in February.
Shetty community “ruining the culture”
The controversy deepened after Gaikwad made remarks targeting the Shetty community. According to a PTI report, Sanjay Gaikwad alleged that individuals from the Shetty community have set up ‘questionable businesses’ in Mumbai, especially dance bars. This, he claimed, had negatively affected the city’s culture.
“To those criticising me, I ask why they are silent about the Shetty people who came to Maharashtra and ruined the culture. I’m not naming the South as a whole, but those involved in businesses like dance bars, ladies’ bars, hotels, and other such places have ruined the environment of the city,” Gaikwad reportedly said.
The comments have sparked outrage, with many calling them divisive and discriminatory.
While legal proceedings begin, public pressure continues to mount on the MLA, both for his physical assault and controversial statements.