Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray visits the statue of his late aunt Meenatai Thackeray at Shivaji Park, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, on September 17, 2025.
| Photo Credit: PTI
An unidentified person allegedly threw red paint on the statue of late Meenatai Thackeray, wife of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, at Shivaji Park in central Mumbai on Wednesday (September 17, 2025).
The Shivaji Park police have launched a probe into the incident. According to police, the people spotted the paint on the statue around 6.30 a.m., after which the Shiv Sena (UBT) workers arrived and also informed police.
The police have registered the complaint and scanned the footage of the CCTV cameras installed in the Shivaji Park area. According to police, the incident happened after 6:10 a.m., and they are tracing the identity of the person.
Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray, the son of Meenatai Thackeray, reached the spot and criticised the incident, saying this is the work of a person who is either ashamed of his parents or attempting to burn Maharashtra.
“One reason could be an attempt to burn Maharashtra, similar to an unsuccessful attempt that was made to shut down Bihar after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mother was disrespected,” said Former Chief Minister Uddhav.
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray at Shivaji Park, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, on September 17, 2025.
| Photo Credit:
PTI
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief and cousin of Mr. Uddhav, Raj Thackeray, also visited the spot and directed the police to nab the accused in 24 hours.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Mahesh Sawant said, “The CCTV footage shows the incident took place after 6.15 a.m. and happened after the rally opposing the India-Pakistan cricket match.”
The ruling alliance, Mahayuti leaders, also condemned the incident.
Shiv Sena leader and Maharashtra’s Minister of State for Home and Revenue, Yogesh Kadam, stated that action would be taken against the miscreants. “Meenatai Thackeray is the mother for all Shiv Sainiks. This statue was installed by my father and Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam on the instructions of Bal Thackeray. This is emotional,” said Mr. Kadam.
Published – September 18, 2025 03:58 am IST
