'Will not allow anyone's home to be blown up': Fadnavis on allegations against MP Sanjay Dina Patil

Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said the police would take appropriate action if any such threats had been made. FILE PIC

Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said the state government would not allow anyone to be threatened, responding to allegations by Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) Member of Parliament (MP) Sanjay Raut against lawmaker Sanjay Dina Patil.

Raut has accused the recently inducted Shiv Sena MP of issuing threats to people protesting against his switch from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. In a letter to Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, Raut alleged that Patil had threatened protesters with violence, including references to bombs, news agency ANI reported.

Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Fadnavis said the police would take appropriate action if any such threats had been made.

"We will not allow anyone's home to be blown up or anyone to be threatened in any manner. No one should be afraid of such threats. If anyone is issuing threats, the police will take appropriate and strict action against them in accordance with the law," he said.

Raut has sought an investigation into Patil's alleged remarks and demanded legal action against him.

In his letter, Raut said there was widespread anger among Shiv Sena (UBT) supporters and voters over the recent defection of six MPs to the Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

Controversy erupts after allegations against newly inducted Shiv Sena MP

"I am drawing your attention to a serious matter. The six Members of Parliament (MPs) who broke away from the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb) party are becoming objects of public scorn across the country. There is immense anger among the people of Maharashtra regarding this defection; feeling deeply betrayed, voters are taking to the streets in protest in various places. Protesting and holding elected representatives accountable is a constitutional right of citizens. However, the 'rebel' MP from North-East Mumbai, Sanjay Patil, has threatened protesters with death," Raut wrote.

Referring to statements allegedly made by Patil, Raut further claimed: "Mr Patil stated, 'Don't mess with me; take out life insurance before protesting against me. I will send you straight to the crematorium or to the hospital.' While issuing the threat, he further adds, 'I have killed five people before'."

Raut urged the police to investigate the alleged remarks and take appropriate legal action if any offence had been committed.

The controversy comes days after six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs, including Sanjay Dina Patil, joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

(With ANI and IANS inputs)