Overview

• On July 23, Shiv Sena functionary Akash Bhalerao and his associate Suraj Hajare allegedly brandished swords and attacked two men during a parking row in Sagar Nagar, Thane
• Both suspects are in custody at Wagle Estate Police Station and have been booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for attempted murder and under the Arms Act
• Victims Ajay Deoras and Sachin Tastode suffered head, arm and leg injuries before fleeing the scene and reporting the assault
• The incident highlights persistent violence by coalition figures and tests Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s prior warnings to rein in unlawful conduct among his MLAs
• Police are probing the source of the weapons and verifying Bhalerao’s official party role while calls grow for equal enforcement of law regardless of political ties