Mumbai: Shiv Sena Shinde faction MLA Sanjay Gaikwad is now facing a non-cognizable offence case for assaulting and threatening a canteen employee at the MLA hostel near Churchgate. Mumbai’s Marine Drive Police have initiated legal proceedings in the case, acting independently without the need for a formal complaint, reported IANS, quoting the cops.
The move follows a viral video that surfaced earlier this week, showing Gaikwad physically assaulting a staff member over alleged complaints of stale and substandard food being served at the canteen. The footage sparked widespread criticism and political uproar during the ongoing monsoon session of the state legislature.
CM Fadnavis Assures Action Against Gaikwad
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis weighed in on the issue earlier today, stating that the police are fully empowered to act even without a formal complaint. “It is not necessary for someone to file a complaint; the police are empowered to investigate and will certainly do so,” he said. This clear stance from the Chief Minister directly contradicts the earlier statement by Minister of State for Home Affairs, who implied that legal action could only follow a written complaint.
FDA Suspends Ajanta Caterers' License
The incident has not only triggered a legal case but has also led to administrative consequences. The Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has suspended the license of Ajanta Caterers, which operates the MLA hostel canteen, citing multiple violations under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Following a surprise inspection on Tuesday, FDA officials collected food samples including dal, paneer, schezwan chutney and reused oil from the canteen. Ajanta Caterers was immediately asked to halt operations pending test results, expected in the next two weeks.
While Gaikwad has claimed that his outburst was a reaction to the poor quality of food reportedly served to several MLAs, the violent nature of his response has drawn sharp criticism. The assaulted employee has since been sent back to his hometown, and the caterer stated that internal legislative committees are responsible for dealing with such matters.
