An MLA recently took the law into his hands, abusing and assaulting food vendors and hawkers outside Mithibai college in Vile Parle. BJP MLA Ameet Satam did this right in front of policemen, even as he accused them of not doing their duty.

The MLA defended himself saying he was overwrought with emotion after having seen four corpses recently, charred to death because of the cooking gas cylinders on the road. He claimed he was frustrated because the police were not taking action despite numerous complaints. While there maybe merit in Satam’s claims, it is unacceptable that a party MLA resorts to threats and abuse to tackle issues. Violence cannot be condoned under any circumstances.