**Statue of Meenatai Thackeray at Shivaji Park Defaced; Suspect Arrested**
Mumbai: The statue of late Meenatai Thackeray, wife of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, at Shivaji Park was defaced with red oil paint early Wednesday morning. The incident, which sparked outrage among political circles, led to the arrest of a man identified through CCTV footage.
### Incident Details
The defacement took place around 6:30 am, leaving red stains on the statue and its surroundings. The act provoked immediate protests by Shiv Sena (UBT) workers who gathered at the scene. An FIR has been registered at the Shivaji Park police station under the BNS section 298, which deals with destroying, damaging, or defiling a place of worship or a sacred object held by a class of people.
### Arrest and Investigation
Authorities apprehended the accused, identified as Upendra Pawaskar, based on CCTV camera evidence. An official confirmed that Pawaskar is currently undergoing interrogation as the police continue their investigation.
### Reactions from Political Leaders
**Uddhav Thackeray**, Chief of Shiv Sena (UBT), strongly condemned the defacement. He described it as a “highly condemnable” act and warned it might be a deliberate attempt to create unrest in Maharashtra. Thackeray remarked, “Such acts are usually done by stray elements who are ashamed even to take the names of their own parents, or by those trying to replicate attempts to disturb peace as seen in Bihar recently, where PM Narendra Modi’s mother was insulted.”
**Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis** also denounced the incident, assuring that the police would thoroughly investigate and bring the culprits to justice. He stressed, “We will not allow this to be given any political colour. Police will take strict action against whoever is behind this.”
**Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde** stated that he had personally communicated with the Police Commissioner and Joint Commissioner, directing them to trace the culprits within 24 hours.
Minister of State for Home and Revenue, **Yogesh Kadam**, from the Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction, expressed strong condemnation of the act. He called Meenatai Thackeray the “matriarch for all Shiv Sainiks” and highlighted that the statue was installed years ago following the instructions of Bal Thackeray himself, with Kadam’s father Ramdas Kadam playing a key role in its erection.
### Other Political Responses
MNS Chief **Raj Thackeray** visited the site and instructed police officials to review all CCTV footage in the area to aid the investigation.
Meanwhile, Sena (UBT) leader and MP **Anil Desai** criticized the state government for security lapses, stating, “This is nothing but the failure of the government.”
### Aftermath and Security Measures
In the wake of the incident, Shiv Sena (UBT) workers took the initiative to clean the statue and its surroundings. Police have increased security around Shivaji Park to prevent further tension. Authorities continue examining CCTV footage from the locality to identify any additional suspects.
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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-man-arrested-for-defacing-meenatai-thackeray-statue-with-red-oil-paint-at-shivaji-park-dadar