Shiv Sena Leader and Others Booked for Temple Attack in Thane

A Shiv Sena leader, Vikas Repale, and several others were booked for allegedly attacking people and preventing their entry into a temple in Thane. The incident occurred after Repale's meeting at the temple, where he and others harassed and assaulted a Dalit student and his companions.

A Shiv Sena leader and several others were booked in Thane for allegedly attacking people and barring their entry into a temple, according to a police official on Thursday.

The incident occurred late Wednesday night following a meeting at the temple organized by Vikas Repale, a former corporator, as reported by the Wagle Estate police station official.

According to the complainant, a 25-year-old Dalit student, Repale and his associates stopped them from entering the temple, questioning their presence due to their Buddhist faith. The complainant alleged that Repale attempted to assault them with a rod while others threw slippers and stones. Repale and others have been charged under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

No arrests have been made yet, and investigations are ongoing. Sources reveal Repale is a close aide of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

(With inputs from agencies.)