‘MNS men’ attack pilgrims in Mumbai

Seven masked persons allegedly assaulted four sadhus who were sleeping in an open space outside the Siddhivinayak temple in Prabhadevi, central Mumbai, on Tuesday. The police suspect the attackers are Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) activists.

Seven masked persons allegedly assaulted four sadhus who were sleeping in an open space outside the Siddhivinayak temple in Prabhadevi, central Mumbai, on Tuesday. The police suspect the attackers are Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) activists.

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The victims, in the police complaint, said around 12.30 am seven men with covered faces assaulted them with bamboos, called them druggies, and ordered them “to not be seen there anymore if they valued their life”.

The Dadar police, which registered a case of rioting, assault and criminal intimidation, said the sadhus are regulars at the temple; they tie holy threads on the wrists of devotees and earn dakshina every Tuesday.

The police dismissed rumours that the sadhus are affiliated to a north Indian outfit.

“We suspect the attackers belong to MNS,” said Milind Bharambe, DCP (zone V).

MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande said: “The locals are tired with these so-called sadhus who indulge in illegal activities so they thrashed them. It has nothing to do with the party.”

The incident is being viewed as the MNS’ reaction to Akhil Bharatiya Brahmin Mahasangh’s announcement of a
Rs 1 crore reward to anyone who slaps Raj Thackeray.

The incident was captured by TV channels. “We are examining the video footage to identify the culprits,” said senior police inspector Ashok Unde.