Nine suspected Shiv Sena workers have been arrested from Mumbai’s neighbouring Palghar area for allegedly vandalizing Dr Abdul Dhadha’s clinic. Dr. Abdul is a relative of Shaheen Dhadha, whose comments on social networking site Facebook questioning Mumbai’s shutdown for Bal Thackeray's funeral had not gone too well among Shiv Sainiks. After the comment was posted, a mob of nearly 40 Shiv Sainiks forcefully entered Abdul Dhada's hospital in Palghar and ransacked it. Speaking to reporters, SP Ravindra Sengaokar confirmed the arrests and added that the police are looking for more suspects. According to police sources, FIR has been registered against more than 50 people including some Shiv Sainiks. The police have also enhanced the security around Abdul Dhada’s clinic.
Yesterday, Shaheen and one of her friend was arrested on charges of promoting enmity, hatred or ill-will between classes. They were later released on bail after several people expressed outrage over the curtailment of freedom of speech and expression. The Chairman of Press Council of India, Markandey Katju shot down a letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan saying that the arrests were unconstitutional and demanding immediate action against police personnel involved. The Maharashtra Police have also launched a probe to ascertain whether the contents of the Facebook post constituted an offence and why the arrests were made. Both the girls meanwhile have apologized for the post.