Thane: Police on Thursday issued a notice to AIMIM’s newly elected corporator Sahar Shaikh under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) over remarks she allegedly made about “painting” the Mumbra locality in Thane “green,” which authorities described as provocative.
The action by the Mumbra police followed the circulation of a video in which Shaikh, after winning from ward 30 in the January 15 Thane civic elections, was seen addressing supporters and making comments directed at NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad. In the video, she reportedly spoke about “painting all of Mumbra green” during her five-year tenure
In her victory address, Shaikh was heard expressing confidence that AIMIM would field candidates across Mumbra in the coming years and suggested that the area would come entirely under the party’s influence, PTI reported.
Earlier in the day, a BJP delegation led by former MP Kirit Somaiya submitted a written complaint to the police, alleging that the remarks were provocative and capable of disturbing communal harmony.
In the complaint, Somaiya claimed that AIMIM leaders had begun making inflammatory speeches following the municipal election results and asserted that Mumbra was part of Maharashtra, invoking the state’s historical and cultural identity. The complaint did not explicitly name Shaikh, Siasat Daily reported.
The letter further alleged that such speeches reflected communal bias and were intended to create fear among Hindu residents of the area.
A police official from the Mumbra police station said the notice was issued as a preventive step to maintain law and order in what was described as a sensitive locality. The official added that Shaikh had been advised to exercise restraint in public speeches and avoid statements that could provoke or inflame public sentiment.
Responding to the notice, Shaikh said her remarks were being deliberately misinterpreted for political reasons. She clarified that her statement was meant to convey her aspiration to strengthen and expand her party’s political presence, and not to target any community.
The Asaduddin Owaisi-led All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) recorded notable gains in the Thane Municipal Corporation elections, winning five of the 131 seats. In contrast, the Congress failed to secure any seats, while the Shiv Sena (UBT) managed to win just one.