‘Will beat you’: Sena (UBT) rebel MP loses cool, threatens reporter over question

Sanjay Dina Patil, a Member of Parliament for the Shiv Sena (UBT) who recently switched to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, ignited a political controversy by threatening journalists and using offensive language. The incident occurred on Thursday when reporters questioned him about allegations made by Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut.

Raut had written to the Mumbai police commissioner, demanding an investigation and arrest for Patil under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Raut's letter cited Patil's on-camera claims of having killed five people in the past and threatening to bomb protesters.

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I told you that I would speak only for two minutes. Why are you asking again and again? I will forget that I am an MP. If you come for a reaction again, I will beat you. I am speaking this in front of the police and on camera. Go and show it to the (police) commissioner.

When pressed by reporters about Raut's letter, Patil lost his temper. "I told you that I would speak only for two minutes. Why are you asking again and again? I will forget that I am an MP. If you come for a reaction again, I will beat you," Patil told the journalists, speaking directly to the camera and in the presence of police.

Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde addressed the situation, stating that the police would investigate any threats issued. Patil later contacted Shinde, clarifying that he had no intention of threatening journalists and was prepared to apologize. Shinde emphasized that the party does not condone such language, noting the importance of collaboration between elected representatives and the media.

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Sanjay Patil told me that he had no intention to insult or threaten the journalist and was ready to tender an apology. As far as the party is concerned, we did not support the wrong language with the journalist. We elected representatives and media work together.