Shiv Sena (UBT) MP seeks Amit Shah's intervention amid 'deteriorating' law and order situation in Maharashtra

Priyanka Chaturvedi. File Photo

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi has sought Union Home Minister Amit Shah's urgent intervention over the "deteriorating" law and order situation in Maharashtra in the wake of the murder of a party leader in Mumbai, reported news agency PTI.

In a letter written to Shah on Friday, Chaturvedi referred to the murder of local Sena (UBT) leader Abhishek Ghosalkar on Thursday, and an incident earlier this month in neighbouring Thane district where a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA opened fire inside a police station, reported PTI.

"I implore you to urgently intervene in the deteriorating law and order situation in Maharashtra before irreparable harm is inflicted upon its residents," the Rajya Sabha member said in the letter, reported PTI.

The once-vibrant city of Mumbai, renowned for trade and commerce, is now marred by escalating crime, violence and gunfire, Chaturvedi said, reported PTI.

The rampant use of firearms to intimidate innocent civilians and public representatives has plunged the state into a perpetual state of fear and insecurity, she added, reported PTI.

Former corporator Abhishek Ghosalkar (40), the son of Sena (UBT) leader Vinod Ghosalkar, was shot dead during a Facebook Live by local businessman and social activist Mauris Noronha on Thursday evening. Noronha later killed himself, according to police, reported PTI.

Earlier, BJP MLA Ganpat Gaikwad shot and injured a local leader of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena at a police station in Ulhasnagar near Mumbai on February 2 over a land dispute and political rivalry.

Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena (UBT) on Friday demanded the dismissal of the Eknath Shinde government in Maharashtra over the law and order situation after a leader of the opposition party was shot dead and another politician was injured in a gun attack inside a police station, reported PTI.

Talking to reporters in New Delhi, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut alleged that the ruling party MPs and MLAs were threatening policemen, reported PTI.

Raut also targeted Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who holds the home portfolio, and demanded his resignation over the law and order situation.

"This (twin attacks) reflects failure of (state) Home Minister (Fadnavis). Prime Minister Narendra Modi and (Union Home minister) Amit Shah are responsible for imposing this government on us," the Rajya Sabha member remarked, reported PTI.

"The chief minister should be sacked and President's Rule must be imposed in the state. Dismiss the government if you have the courage," said Raut, lashing out at the Centre, reported PTI.

He claimed crime rate has gone up ever since the Eknath Shinde-led government assumed office in June 2022, reported PTI.

(With inputs from PTI)