Non-Cognisable Offence Registered Against Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad For Assaulting Canteen Staff

Two days after a video surfaced showing Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad allegedly assaulting a canteen staff member inside the Maharashtra Legislature premises, Mumbai’s Marine Drive Police have registered a non-cognisable offence against him under sections 352 and 115(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The incident has reignited concerns over Gaikwad’s history of controversial conduct.

According to police officials, the incident occurred earlier this week when Gaikwad, an MLA from Buldhana district, expressed anger over the quality of food served in the canteen. During a heated exchange, he allegedly slapped a staff member. A video of the altercation went viral on social media, drawing widespread condemnation.

The canteen employee subsequently filed a complaint, prompting a preliminary inquiry. However, since the offence is non-cognisable, Gaikwad cannot be arrested without court permission.

Reacting to the incident, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the police must investigate the matter and take appropriate action.

Adding to the controversy, Gaikwad on Thursday made inflammatory remarks targeting South Indians. While criticising a food supply contract awarded to a contractor named Shetty, he claimed such contracts should be given to locals. He accused South Indians of running dance bars and “corrupting Maharashtra’s culture,” asserting that they neither understand regional food preferences nor provide quality meals. His remarks have been widely criticised as discriminatory and divisive.

As backlash grows over both his conduct and his remarks, pressure is mounting on the Shiv Sena and state authorities to take stricter disciplinary action.