In another incident of a public representative engaged in assault, a video of Shiv Sena corporator Milind Vaidya, a former mayor of Mumbai, beating up a poultry seller has gone viral.
Mr. Vaidya, who was mayor between 1996 and 1997, has confirmed the incident saying the poultry trucks created unhygienic conditions.
Around 10 a.m. on Friday, Mr. Vaidya and his supporters went to Naya Nagar in Mahim, where poultry trucks lined the side of the road, and created a ruckus. Mr. Vaidya is seen slapping a poultry seller on camera. His supporter is seen slapping another man. Mr. Vaidya then approached the person recording the video to explain his actions.
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After the incident, eight to 10 poultry trucks parked there were made to move.
Speaking to The Hindu , Mr. Vaidya said, “The trucks are stationed at this spot every day, causing nuisance and unhygienic conditions. The feathers and bird faeces lying around result in a heavy stench in the area. Besides, in monsoon, this can lead to diseases. Those walking towards Mahim station have to face this every day.”
He said he has been raising this issue in ward council meetings for two years, but neither the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) nor the police have taken any action against the poultry sellers. That is why he took matters in his own hands and was ready to face consequences, he said.
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Congress leader Ravi Raja, leader of opposition in the BMC, said, “This does not suit a former mayor of the city. Nobody should take the law in their own hands.”
Vishakha Raut, the Shiv Sena leader in the BMC, was unavailable for comment.
The Mahim police have not received any complaint in the matter.
This is the second such incident in the city in recent days. Last week, Mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar’s supporters allegedly beat up chief engineer of storm water drain department V.S. Khandkar in the Mayor’s presence.