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Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Slapgate: Cops file NC after CM contradicts min
Mumbai: Two days after a video of Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad assaulting staffers at the Akashwani MLA hostel canteen in Colaba over "stale dal" went viral, Marine Drive police registered a non-cognisable offence against him on Friday. The NC was filed soon after CM Fadnavis contradicted minister of state for home Yogesh Kadam in an embarrassment of sorts for the state govt. While Kadam said police cannot act against Gaikwad as there is no complaint, the CM said cops should definitely probe the case and no one needs to file a complaint for that, report Mateen Hafeez & Chaitanya Marpakwar. A cop from Marine Drive police station filed the complaint. "We have registered a suo motu case against Gaikwad and one more person," an officer said. Police on Friday booked Buldhana MLA Sanjay Gaikwad and his aide, who was also seen in the video allegedly assaulting a canteen worker, under Sections 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), and 3(5) (common participation in a crime) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Minister Yogesh Kadam had said on Friday morning, "If there is a complaint then action can be taken. If there is no complaint, there is no question of action." You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai Hours later, CM Fadnavis, who holds the home portfolio, said if it is a cognizable offence, police will take action, adding that whether the offence is cognizable or non-cognizable depends on its nature and force of the assault. The incident took place on Tuesday evening after Gaikwad was allegedly served stale dal and rice in his room. In the video, Gaikwad, who was in a vest and towel, was seen hitting two canteen staffers after forcing them to smell the food. He was also seen punching one of the two staff members. The opposition has criticised the govt for not taking action against Gaikwad despite the assault video going viral. NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule had demanded that an FIR be filed. Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray said, "This assault took place in the MLAs' hostel, so the assembly Speaker must also take action. Should all MLAs start beating up people like this and get away with it? The govt must answer this." Gaikwad has repeatedly justified his behaviour and said he would not apologise. He had said on Wednesday, "This contractor has been squatting here for 30 years. So when nothing else worked, I had to take things into my own hands. I'm an MLA and warrior. I'm a judo and karate champion, and a wrestling champion too. So I can use any means. When the administration doesn't work despite repeated reminders, what will people do? They will take law into their own hands. If an MLA complains and nothing is done, should I give up my life? I'm not such a big Gandhian. I have no regrets and I don't feel bad about this." The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday suspended the licence of the caterer who operates the MLA hostel canteen, citing 79 violations of food safety norms.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Slapgate row: Case registered against Shiv Sena MLA for slapping canteen worker; 2 days after viral video
- N EW 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.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
My harsh action spurred long-awaited response from govt on food safety: MLA Gaikwad
Mumbai, Shiv Sena legislator Sanjay Gaikwad on Thursday said his act of assaulting a staffer at an MLA hostel canteen for serving "stale food" may have been harsh, but it led to a swift action from the government on the food quality issue despite repeated complaints earlier. My harsh action spurred long-awaited response from govt on food safety: MLA Gaikwad A viral video footage showing the Buldhana MLA slapping and punching an employee at the Akashwani MLAs' hostel canteen here on Tuesday night for serving "stale food" has drawn widespread condemnation from government and opposition, with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis denouncing the act. The Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration on Wednesday evening suspended the licence of the caterer that operates the canteen, saying violations of the food safety norms were found during an inspection at the facility earlier in the day. Speaking to reporters here on Thursday, Gaikwad said, "There were 200 to 400 complaints in the last four to five years, but the FDA did not act. FDA Minister Narhari Zirwal himself told me that even after he asked officials to take action, he did not receive reports for two to three months. The question arises - who all are involved, and what is the nexus?" The legislator from Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena acknowledged his behaviour may have appeared inappropriate, but maintained that it ultimately served a public purpose. "The person I personally hit day before yesterday was the manager, who has now been suspended because it was his fault," he claimed. "He was playing with the lives of lakhs of people by supplying substandard food. The canteen serves 5,000 to 10,000 persons daily," Gaikwad maintained. Referring to his own health, Gaikwad said he has suffered from stomach ailments for the past two decades. "If I eat stale food, I suffer for 15 days. That is why I do not eat at eateries outside," he said. "What I was served was almost poisonous. It could have caused me severe health issues. I do not believe my reaction was wrong. I knew my actions were harsh, but because I reacted that way, action was finally taken against the canteen operator. It will help save the lives of lakhs of people who eat there," the MLA stressed. He said several warnings were issued to the canteen operator earlier, but no effective improvement was seen. "My action brought about the change. What I did would help all the Marathi people," the Shiv Sena leader said. Responding to criticism from opposition parties, Gaikwad remarked, "I want to ask those who are criticising me- why are they siding with South Indians who were playing with your lives?" The person who operated the canteen at the MLA hostel is of South Indian origin. Asked about demands for action against him, Gaikwad said he has faced legal actions previously and is aware of the legal provisions. "What I did amounts to a non-cognisable offence. Such complaints usually do not attract serious legal punishment. I have already met the assembly speaker and will also speak to the deputy chief minister and the chief minister to present my side. I am ready to face any punishment," he said. While members of the ruling coalition largely refrained from justifying Gaikwad's action, Amol Mitkari, MLC of Shiv Sena's ally NCP, said Gaikwad's act should be judged rationally. "Nobody is defending Gaikwad's actions, but the root cause must be addressed. He did not cause a law and order problem. If he was served poor quality food after a long day's work, his outburst should be judged rationally," Mitkari said. Rohit Pawar, MLA of the opposition NCP , however, said he doubts if any strong action would be taken. "Gaikwad is part of the ruling alliance and close to a senior leader in his party. I don't think any decisive action will be taken against him," Pawar said. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
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Business Standard
4 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
My action spurred long-awaited response from govt on food safety: Gaikwad
Shiv Sena legislator Sanjay Gaikwad on Thursday said his act of assaulting a staffer at an MLA hostel canteen for serving "stale food" may have been harsh, but it led to a swift action from the government on the food quality issue despite repeated complaints earlier. A viral video footage showing the Buldhana MLA slapping and punching an employee at the Akashwani MLAs' hostel canteen here on Tuesday night for serving "stale food" has drawn widespread condemnation from government and opposition, with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis denouncing the act. The Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) on Wednesday evening suspended the licence of the caterer that operates the canteen, saying violations of the food safety norms were found during an inspection at the facility earlier in the day. Speaking to reporters here on Thursday, Gaikwad said, "There were 200 to 400 complaints in the last four to five years, but the FDA did not act. FDA Minister Narhari Zirwal himself told me that even after he asked officials to take action, he did not receive reports for two to three months. The question arises - who all are involved, and what is the nexus?" The legislator from Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena acknowledged his behaviour may have appeared inappropriate, but maintained that it ultimately served a public purpose. "The person I personally hit day before yesterday was the manager, who has now been suspended because it was his fault," he claimed. "He was playing with the lives of lakhs of people by supplying substandard food. The canteen serves 5,000 to 10,000 persons daily," Gaikwad maintained. Referring to his own health, Gaikwad said he has suffered from stomach ailments for the past two decades. "If I eat stale food, I suffer for 15 days. That is why I do not eat at eateries outside," he said. "What I was served was almost poisonous. It could have caused me severe health issues. I do not believe my reaction was wrong. I knew my actions were harsh, but because I reacted that way, action was finally taken against the canteen operator. It will help save the lives of lakhs of people who eat there," the MLA stressed. He said several warnings were issued to the canteen operator earlier, but no effective improvement was seen. "My action brought about the change. What I did would help all the Marathi people," the Shiv Sena leader said. The person who operated the canteen at the MLA hostel is of South Indian origin. Asked about demands for action against him, Gaikwad said he has faced legal actions previously and is aware of the legal provisions. "What I did amounts to a non-cognisable offence. Such complaints usually do not attract serious legal punishment. I have already met the assembly speaker and will also speak to the deputy chief minister and the chief minister to present my side. I am ready to face any punishment," he said. While members of the ruling coalition largely refrained from justifying Gaikwad's action, Amol Mitkari, MLC of Shiv Sena's ally NCP, said Gaikwad's act should be judged rationally. "Nobody is defending Gaikwad's actions, but the root cause must be addressed. He did not cause a law and order problem. If he was served poor quality food after a long day's work, his outburst should be judged rationally," Mitkari said. Rohit Pawar, MLA of the opposition NCP (SP), however, said he doubts if any strong action would be taken. "Gaikwad is part of the ruling alliance and close to a senior leader in his party. I don't think any decisive action will be taken against him," Pawar said. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Mint
4 days ago
- Health
- Mint
Mumbai MLA hostel caterer's licence suspended after Shiv Sena leader assaults staff over ‘stale' food complaint
The Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has suspended the licence of a caterer that serves food at the canteen of an MLA hostel in Mumbai. The suspension came after a video went viral on social media, showing a Shiv Sena MLA assaulting a canteen staff for allegedly serving stale food. The contractor, Ajanta Caterers, had violated provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, the FDA said in its suspension order on Wednesday. The regulator further said that the violations were found when it conducted an inspection at the Akashwani MLA hostel on Wednesday. Starting Thursday, Ajanta Caterers has been directed to stop serving food and cease operations at the hostel premises. The FDA's investigation came after a viral video footage showed Buldhana MLA Sanjay Gaikwad slapping and punching an employee at the MLAs' hostel canteen for serving 'stale food'. While the authorities launched the probe, the action received widespread condemnation from government and opposition, with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis denouncing the act. The CM said such behaviour sends a "wrong message" about legislators misusing their power. The Mumbai canteen viral video shows Buldhana MLA Sanjay Gaikwad, wearing a vest and a towel, confronting the canteen contractor and forcing him to smell a packet of dal before slapping and punching him. The contractor falls on the floor due to the impact, and as he tries to get up, the MLA continues with the assault. Gaikwad, however, remained defiant and said he doesn't regret his action. "I will not apologise. Whatever the CM and Deputy CM said is their duty. I respect their words, but they also said that there should be an inquiry into the hotel. I have no regrets. I was about to consume poison; others cannot understand this, so I have no regrets for what I did," the Shiv Sena MLA told reporters on Wednesday. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials took food samples from the Akashvani MLA canteen. "Samples of paneer, Schezwan chutney, oil, and toor dal have been taken. These will be sent to the lab and the report will come in 14 days, an FDA official was quoted as saying by ANI.
