Shiv Sena fires fresh salvo at CM Fadnavis

Mumbai: Slamming the state government yet again, the Shiv Sena in an editorial in its mouthpiece Saamana on Monday asked why the culprits in the Kamala Mills fire are yet to be arrested. The Sena also termed “hollow” chief minister Devendra Fadnavis’ claim that the law-and-order situation is under control in light of the caste conflict at Bhima-Koregaon near Pune and subsequent violent protests by dalit agitators. The Sena’s reaction comes in the wake of municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta stating that he was facing political pressure to turn a blind eye towards illegal eateries.

“If the chief minister claims to have control over the law-and-order situation despite the riots after the Bhima Koregaon incident, the people would like to know why the culprits behind the Kamala Mills fire are still at large,” the editorial read. Mr Fadnavis holds charge of the home department.

Only if they are arrested, can the Shiv Sena accept the claim that things are under control, the editorial read.

The main accused in the fire at 1 Above pub in the Kamala Mills compound that claimed 14 lives are yet to be arrested though several FIRs have been filed. According to the Sena, the state did take action against some illegal structures at pubs and restaurants across Mumbai after the blaze, but the government “insulted the victims by announcing a `1 lakh reward for providing information about the absconding accused. This means the state has asked people (instead of the police) to find the accused,” the editorial read.

The editorial said the names of those who reportedly put pressure on the municipal commissioner to overlook illegal constructions in the compound should be made public. “It was political pressure. One must know that the commissioner is appointed by the state government and he/she generally listens to the government,” it said.