By Deepak Tijori 
In Thane, a shocking incident unfolded late Wednesday night involving a Shiv Sena leader and several accomplices, who have been accused of attacking a Dalit man and preventing him from entering a temple. The altercation occurred after a meeting called by Vikas Repale, a former corporator and Shiv Sena leader, at a local temple.
According to the police official from Wagle Estate police station, the incident began when Repale, who is reportedly a close aide of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, allegedly barred a 25-year-old Dalit student and others from attending the temple meeting. The complainant, who follows Buddhism, claimed that Repale questioned why he would want to attend a Hindu temple and then attempted to assault them with a rod. Accomplices of Repale allegedly threw slippers and stones during the confrontation.
The situation escalated as the Dalit student tried to file a complaint at the police station. Repale and his group reportedly threw stones at him, intensifying the conflict. The police have booked Repale and others under various charges, including those specified in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, which address assault, unlawful assembly, and incitement to riot.
Additionally, one individual from Repale’s group faces accusations of committing atrocities against a member of the complainant’s group, while another has been charged with molestation based on a woman’s complaint. Despite the serious allegations, no arrests have been made yet, and the investigation is ongoing.
The incident appears to stem from a long-standing rivalry between the two groups involved. The Wagle Estate police station official mentioned that the conflict might be related to previous disputes.
Repale has denied involvement, stating to local news outlets that he was not present at the scene of the incident. The case has sparked significant concern and discussions about caste-based discrimination and violence in the region.
As investigations continue, the local community and political figures await further developments. The case highlights ongoing issues of social and political tensions in the area, with implications for both local governance and community relations.