FIR against Sawant over derogatory remark

The Shiv Sena (UBT) MP called Shaina NC “Imported Maal”

Mumbai: A First Information Report was registered here on Friday against Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant for referring to Shaina N C, an assembly elections candidate of the rival Shiv Sena, as “imported maal”.

Sawant, MP of Mumbai South, claimed that his remark was being misinterpreted, while Shaina, who is contesting from Mumbadevi assembly seat in the city, said it showed the mentality of the Uddhav Thackeray-led party.

Based on her complaint, an FIR was registered against Sawant at Nagpada police station under sections 79 (insulting the modesty of a woman through words, gestures, sounds) and 356 (2) (defamation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, said a police official.

“Calling someone who is a professional and political worker for 20 years ‘maal’ shows the mentality of Shiv Sena (UBT). Why are Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar and Nana Patole silent?” she asked.

“I am a woman, not a commodity. Sawant’s comments highlight the anti-women mentality within the Sena (UBT) faction,” Shaina said.

Reacting to her allegations, Arvind Sawant said she misinterpreted the word “maal”.

“In Hindi, it means `goods’. I also said our candidate is the `original maal’. Shaina is an old friend, not an enemy,” he said. “Please understand the motive behind spreading a narrative by bringing out a video clip of a speech made two days ago. In my 50 years of political life, I have never insulted anyone,” Sawant added.